Social Commentaries

Of Leda that saies she is sure to be saued

by Sir John Harington 1560–1612

From The Most Elegant and Witty Epigrams (1618), Book 1

Social Commentaries

SInce Leda knew that sure she was elected,
She buyes rich clothes, fares well, and makes her boast:
Her corps, the Temple of the Holy Ghost,
Must be more cherrished, and more respected:
But Leda liueth still to sinne subiected.
Tell Leda, that her friend Misacmos feares,
That till she get a mind of more submission,
And purge that corps with Hysope of contrition,
And wash that sinful soule with saltish tears,
Though Quailes she eates, though Gold & Pearle she weares,
Yet sure she doth with damned Core & Dathan,
But feed and clad a Synagogue of Sathan.

✦ ✦ ✦

Book 1, Epigram 88

MLA

Harington, John. “Of Leda that saies she is sure to be saued.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/harington/63/.

Chicago

Harington, John. “Of Leda that saies she is sure to be saued.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/harington/63/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Sir John Harington