V.

To my sixe lustres almost now outwore,

Except thy booke owe mee so many more,

Except my legend be free from the letts

Of steepe ambition, sleepie povertie,

Spirit-quenching sicknesse, dull captivitie, 45

Distracting businesse, and from beauties nets,

And all that calls from this, and to others whets,

O let me not launch out, but let mee save

Th'expense of braine and spirit; that my grave

His right and due, a whole unwasted man may have. 50

The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2) Edited from the Old Editions and Numerous Manuscripts · 第 196 / 371 题