In Whining Poetry

[annundriel]

John Donne's "The Triple Fool" has been stuck in my head all week. I have no idea why. At least it's not Middle English. Love it though I do, I have the hardest time getting it out of there and it makes reading anything in modern English awkward.

Yes, I am quite odd.

The Triple Fool

I am two fools, I know,
For loving, and for saying so
In whining poetry;
But where's that wise man, that would not be I,
If she would not deny?
Then as th'earth's inward, narrow, crooked lanes
Do purge sea water's fretful salt away,
I thought, if I could draw my pains
Through rhyme's vexation, I should them allay.
Grief brought to numbers cannot be so fierce,
For, he tames it, that fetters it in verse.

But when I have done so,
Some man, his art and voice to show,
Doth set and sing my pain,
And, by delighting many, frees again
Grief, which verse did restrain.
To love and grief tribute of verse belongs,
But not of such as pleases when 'tis read.
Both are increased by such songs;
For both their triumphs so are published,
And I, which was two fools, do so grow three.
Who are a little wise, the best fools be.

I miss my Donne class. But not the research paper. I like being able to read the Holy Sonnets again and not have to worry about their order.