Why should I join with those in Play,
In whom I've no delight,
Who curse and swear, but never pray,
Who call ill Names, and fight.
I hate to hear a wanton Song,
Their Words offend my Ears:
I should not dare defile my Tongue
With Language such as theirs.
Away from Fools I'll turn my Eyes,
Nor with the Scoffers go;
I would be walking with the Wise,
That wiser I may grow.
From one rude Boy that's us'd to mock
Ten learn the wicked Jest;
One sickly Sheep infects the Flock,
And poysons all the rest.
Notes
Composition date is unknown - the above date represents the first publication date.
The lyrical form of this poem is abab.
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You do know his entire work is based on verses from the bible, right? My Grandmother also wrote this way, but she wrote for children, I don't think Watts wrote for children but still ..
Edited on Nov 16, 4:34 p.m. because ''. -
Considering the fact that Psalm 1 was written long before the birth of Christ, yes.
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'.. that it just uses the same tired old Christian cliches.'
So when does 'cliche' become 'cliche'? I ask this because this poem was written in the late 1600's to the early 1700's?
Was it cliche and without depth for the readers then? I don't say this as a Christian, I am not one, I say this as a reader.
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Eh...it is not particularly profound in my opinion. It actually just sounds like a whining fundamentalist, from a modern standpoint. I do agree that the last four lines are the best, though...they have the best flow. But anyhow, overall, I don't like it. It lacks serious depth and, for what it is, it should be deep. There may seem to be some symbolism, but if you've grown up in the church you see that it just uses the same tired old Christian cliches. As well, it seems to be based off Psalm 1...which is a much better work in itself.
Edited on Nov 15, 2:39 p.m. because 'Afterthoughts'. -
I think this is a great piece, not only for the subject manner but as well the way Watts has written it. It's not too tiring in the wording, the metaphors stay at bay and the literal-ness of the piece is quite evident.
The last four lines is the best, though I feel it just repetitiously represents the part before it, I feel it's worded the best.
A great piece that Watts has written here.
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