To the Memory of my dear and ever honoured Father Thomas Dudley Esq; Who decease
July 5, 2023Of the Four Ages of Man
July 5, 2023To Her Father with Some Verses
Most truly honoured, and as truly dear,
If worth in me or ought I do appear,
Who can of right better demand the same
Than may your worthy self from whom it came?
The principal might yield a greater sum,
Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crumb;
My stock’s so small I know not how to pay,
My bond remains in force unto this day;
Yet for part payment take this simple mite,
Where nothing’s to be had, kings loose their right.
Such is my debt I may not say forgive,
But as I can, I’ll pay it while I live;
Such is my bond, none can discharge but I,
Yet paying is not paid until I die.
Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) was an English-American poet and writer. She was one of the first female poets to be published in the American colonies and is considered one of the most important figures of early American literature. Her works often explore themes of family, religion, and personal experiences. Some of her notable works include "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" (1650) and "Several Poems Compiled with Great Variety of Wit and Learning, Full of Delight" (1678).