O Griefe, O spight

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Thomas Campion

The Third Booke of Ayres

1618

VIII. O Griefe, O spight

       1  O Griefe, O spight, to see poore Vertue scorn'd,
       Truth far exil'd; False atre lou'd; Vice ador'd,
       Free Iustice sold, worst causes best adorn'd,
       Right cast by Powre, Pittie in vaine implor'd.
           O who in such an age could wish to liue,
           When none can haue or hold but such as giue ?

       2  O times ! O men ! to Nature rebels growne ;
       Poore in desert ; in name rich ; proud of shame ;
       Wise, but in ill : your stiles are not your owne,
       Though dearely bought, honour is honest fame.
           Old Stories onely goodnesse now containe,
           And the true wisedome, that is iust, and plaine.