Religion

To take is to giue; for a Gift, Liberty

by John Davies of Hereford c. 1565–1618

From Essaies (1612)

Religion

OVr Mouthes runne o'er with false Superlatiues,
in praising him, though bad, that did vs good;
Which are nought else, but true demonstratiues
of the Corruption of our basest bloud.

For, Pride can giue as much as Charitie:
and Tyranny as much as Mercy can:
But, who appluds or Pride or Tyranny,
doe Monsters praise, the Minde doth make the Man.

Then shall we take no good gifts of the ad?
I say not so: and yet, I say, who will
Take Kingdomes of the Diu'll, are worse than mad;
for He doth good to no man, but for ill:
Then sith, for Gifts, Mn giue their Libertie,
Such Gifts binde Takers oft to villanie.

MLA

Hereford, John Davies of. “To take is to giue; for a Gift, Liberty.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/81/.

Chicago

Hereford, John Davies of. “To take is to giue; for a Gift, Liberty.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/81/.

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