OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE - Sir John Davies Poems

 
 

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OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
I know my body's of so frail a kind,
  As force without, fevers within can kill;
I know the heavenly nature of my mind,
  But 'tis corrupted both in wit and will.

I know my Soul hath power to know all things,
  Yet is she blind and ignorant in all;
I know I am one of Nature's little kings,
  Yet to the least and vilest things am thrall.

I know my life's a pain and but a span,
  I know my Sense is mock'd with every thing:
And to conclude, I know myself a MAN,
  Which is a proud, and yet a wretched thing.

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