Classic Poem

7. Wherein He Exhorts a Friend to Persevere in the Pursuit of Letters and Philosophy -

WHEREIN HE EXHORTS A FRIEND TO PERSEVERE IN THE PURSUIT OF LETTERS AND PHILOSOPHY

Gluttony, sloth and pillowed indolence
Have driven each virtue from the world away,
Till nature from her course is led astray,
Cast down by custom from her eminence;
The lights of heaven are wholly scattered hence,
Which pointed man through darkness and dismay,
So that amazement and contempt repay
Those who at Helicon drink eloquence.
" Whom now can laurel or the myrtle lure?
Let shame and hunger stalk Philosophy! "
Thus cries the herd on vulgar winnings bent.
What matters it how few will walk with thee,
O gentle spirit! Be the more intent
That the superb adventure shall endure!EnglishFrancesco Petrarch