THE DOUBT OF FUTURE FOES
by: Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603)
- HE doubt
of future foes exiles my present joy,
- And wit me warns to shun such snares as threaten mine annoy;
- For falsehood now doth flow, and subjects' faith doth ebb,
- Which should not be if reason ruled or wisdom weaved the
web.
- But clouds of joy untried do cloak aspiring minds,
- Which turn to rain of late repent by changed course of winds.
- The top of hope supposed the root upreared shall be,
- And fruitless all their grafted guile, as shortly ye shall
see.
- The dazzled eyes with pride, which great ambition blinds,
- Shall be unsealed by worthy wights whose foresight falsehood
finds.
- The daughter of debate that discord aye doth sow
- Shall reap no gain where former rule still peace hath taught
to know.
- No foreign banished wight shall anchor in this port;
- Our realm brooks not seditious sects, let them elsewhere
resort.
- My rusty sword through rest shall first his edge employ
- To poll their tops that seek such change or gape for future
joy.
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POEMS BY QUEEN ELIZABETH I |
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