HumanitiesWeb.org - Songs and Sonnets (The Triple Foole) by John Donne
HumanitiesWeb HumanitiesWeb
WelcomeHistoryLiteratureArtMusicPhilosophyResourcesHelp
Periods Alphabetically Nationality Topics Themes Genres Glossary
pixel

Donne
Index
Biography
Selected Works
Quotations
According To...
Suggested Reading
Chronology
Related Materials

Search

Get Your Degree!

Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.

Powered by Campus Explorer

& etc
FEEDBACK

(C)1998-2012
All Rights Reserved.

Site last updated
28 October, 2012
Real Time Analytics

Songs and Sonnets
The Triple Foole

by John Donne

   I am two fooles, I know, 
For loving, and for saying so 
   In whining Poëtry; 
But where's that wiseman, that would not be I, 
   If she would not deny? 
Then as th'earths inward narrow crooked lanes 
Do purge sea waters fretfull salt away, 
   I thought, if I could draw my paines, 
Through Rimes vexation, I should them allay, 
Griefe 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 paine, 
And, by delighting many, frees againe 
   Griefe, which verse did restraine. 
To Love, and Griefe 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 fooles, do so grow three; 
Who are a little wise, the best fooles bee.
Previous Poem Next Poem
Personae

Terms Defined

Referenced Works