Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HARRY CAREY'S REPLY TO THE LIBELLING GENTRY, ANGRY AT HIS WELFARE, by HENRY CAREY (1687-1743)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HARRY CAREY'S REPLY TO THE LIBELLING GENTRY, ANGRY AT HIS WELFARE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: With an honest old friend and a merry old song
Last Line: For the more we are envied, the higher we rise.
Subject(s): Envy; Friendship


WITH an honest old friend and a merry old song,
And a flask of old port, let me sit the night long,
And laugh at the malice of those who repine
That they must swig porter while I can drink wine.

I envy no mortal tho' ever so great,
Nor scorn I a wretch for his lowly estate;
But what I abhor and esteem as a curse
Is poorness of Spirit, not poorness in Purse.

Then dare to be generous, dauntless, and gay,
Let's merrily pass life's remainder away;
Upheld by our friends, we our foes may despise,
For the more we are envied, the higher we rise.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net