Nature
Natura Naturata.
WHat gives us that Fantastick Fit,
That all our Judgment and our Wit
To vulgar custom we submit?
Treason, Theft, Murther, all the rest
Of that foul Legion we so detest,
Are in their proper names exprest.
Why is it then sought sin or shame,
Those necessary parts to name,
From whence we went, and whence we came?
Nature, what ere she wants, requires;
With Love enflaming our desires,
Finds Engines fit to quench those fires:
Death she abhors; yet when men die,
We are present; but no stander by
Looks on when we that loss supply:
Forbidden Wares sell twice as dear;
Even Sack prohibited last year,
A most abominable rate did bear.
Tis plain our eyes and ears are nice,
Only to raise by that device,
Of those Commodities the price.
Thus Reason's shadows us betray
By Tropes and Figures led astray,
From Nature, both her Guide and way.
Cite this poem
MLA
Denham, John. “Natura Naturata.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/denham/6/.
Chicago
Denham, John. “Natura Naturata.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/denham/6/.
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More by Sir John Denham
- On my Lord Croft's and my Iourney into Poland, from whence we brought 10000 l. for his Majesty by the Decimation of his Scottish Subjects there.
- To the five Members of the Honourable House of Commons.
- To Sir Richard Fanshaw upon his Translation of Pastor Fido.
- The Progress of Learning.
- To the Hon. Edward Howard, on 'The British Princes'