To L. Blundeston, Barnabe Googe

edited by Richard Yocum

Barnabe Googe lived from 1540 to 1594. It is unclear when he wrote the poem, "To L. Blundeston." The line breaks seem peculiar, but this is the way they look on the original page. 


Some men be coun-
ted wise that well can talk,
And some because
they can each man beguile.
Some for because                         5
they know well cheese from chalk.
And can be sure,
weep who so list to smile.
But, Blundeston, him
I call the wisest wight                 10
Whom God gives grace
to rule affections right.

4.beguile] deceive, cheat.
6.know...cheese from chalk] make logical distinctions between similar things (but ironic, since cheese and chalk are not difficult to tell apart). easy en .
8.list] to enjoy something
10.wight]

Return to
Author Index
Title Index
Index of First Lines
MAIN PAGE