The Mind

Upon Honour: A Fragment

by Matthew Prior 1664–1721

From Miscellaneous Works (Waller, 1907)

The Mind

HONOUR, I say, or honest Fame,
I mean the substance, not the name ;
(Not that light heap of tawdry wares.
Of Ermin, Coronets, and Stars,
Which often is by merit sought.
By gold and flatt'ry oft'ner bought.
The shade, for which Ambition looks.
In Selden's or in Ashmole's books :)
But the true glory which proceeds,
Reflected bright from honest deeds.
Which we in our Own breast perceive,
And Kings can neither take nor give.

MLA

Prior, Matthew. “Upon Honour: A Fragment.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/prior/170/.

Chicago

Prior, Matthew. “Upon Honour: A Fragment.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/prior/170/.

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