Poem by Anne Bradstreet

To Her Father with Some Verses

Most truly honoured, and as truly dear, 
If worth in me or ought I do appear, 
Who can of right better demand the same 
Than may your worthy self from whom it came? 
The principal might yield a greater sum, 
Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crumb; 
My stock’s so small I know not how to pay, 
My bond remains in force unto this day; 
Yet for part payment take this simple mite, 
Where nothing’s to be had, kings loose their right. 
Such is my debt I may not say forgive, 
But as I can, I’ll pay it while I live; 
Such is my bond, none can discharge but I, 
Yet paying is not paid until I die.

1. For the Restoration of My Dear Husband from a Burning Ague, June, 1661
2. To Her Most Honoured Father Thomas Dudley Esq; These Humbly Presented
3. For Deliverance from a Feaver
4. Deliverance from a Fit of Fainting
5. Upon Some Distemper of Body

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