What I shall leave thee none can tell,
But all shall say I wish thee well:
I wish thee, Vin, before all wealth,
Both bodily and ghostly health;
Nor too much wealth, nor wit, come to thee,
So much of either may undo thee.
I wish thee learning, not for show,
Enough for to instruct and know,
Not such as gentlemen require
To prate at table or at fire.
I wish thee all thy mother’s graces,
Thy father’s fortunes, and his places.
I wish thee friends, and one at court,
Not to build on, but support,
To keep thee, not in doing many
Oppressions, but from suffering any.
I wish thee peace in all thy ways,
Nor lazy nor contentious days;
And when thy soul and body part,
As innocent as now thou art.
(Richard Corbet)
More Poetry from Richard Corbet:
Richard Corbet Poems based on Topics: Education, Art, Fire, Wit, Place, Money & Wealth, Friendship, Learning, Health- The Distracted Puritan (Richard Corbet Poems)
- The Fairies Farewell (Richard Corbet Poems)
- An Epitaph on Doctor Donne, Dean of St. Paul's (Richard Corbet Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Friendship Poems, Place Poems, Fire Poems, Art Poems, Money & Wealth Poems, Education Poems, Wit Poems, Learning Poems, Health PoemsBased on Keywords: oppressions, contentious