EIGHTH YEAR- FIRST HALF GEOFFREY CHAUCER ENGLAND, 1340-1400 "The First Virtue" The first virtue, sone, if thou wilt learn Loke who that is most virtuous alway, EDMUND SPENSER ENGLAND, 1552-1599 Ay me! how many perils doe enfold Who will not mercie unto others show, I was promised on a time To have reason for my rhyme; 7 10 10 15 5 And more to lull him in his slumber soft, A trickling stream from high rock tumbling down, Mixed with a murmuring wind much like the sound - From "THE HOUSE OF SLEEP" (" THE FAERY QUEEN"). SIR WALTER RALEIGH ENGLAND, 1552-1618 Lines Written the Night before his Execution Even such is Time, that takes on trust WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ENGLAND, 1564-1616 Polonius's Advice There, my blessing with you! "THIS WAS THE NOBLEST ROMAN" 9 See thou character:- Give thy thoughts no tongue, Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. Bear't, that the opposed may beware of thee. 10 Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. But not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy: For the apparel oft proclaims the man. Neither a borrower nor a lender be, For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. 15 20 "This was the Noblest Roman" This was the noblest Roman of them all: Of common good to all, made one of them. His life was gentle; and the elements So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up, - From "JULIUS CESAR." 5 10 15 "The Quality of Mercy" The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's - From "Merchant of VENICE." 20 Silvia Who is Silvia? what is she, That all our swains commend her? Holy, fair, and wise is she; |