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On Giles And Joan

By Ben Jonson

Topics: classic

Who says that Giles and Joan at discord be? Th' observing neighbors no such mood can see. Indeed, poor Giles repents he married ever, But that his Joan doth too. And Giles would never By his free will be in Joan's company; No more would Joan he should. Giles riseth early, And having got him out of doors is glad; The like is Joan. But turning home is sad, And so is Joan. Ofttimes, when Giles doth find Harsh sights at home, Giles wisheth he were blind: All this doth Joan. Or that his long-yearned life Were quite outspun. The like wish hath his wife. The children that he keeps Giles swear are none Of his begetting; and so swears his Joan. In all affections she concurreth still. If now, with man and wife, to will and nill The self-same things a note of concord be, I know no couple better can agree.

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"Who says that Giles and Joan at discord be?..."

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Author:Ben Jonson

"Who says that Giles and Joan at discord be?..." by Ben Jonson

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Ben Jonson

About Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson (1572–1637) was an English poet, playwright, and critic who became the de facto Poet Laureate. His poems include "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes" and "To Penshurst," and his masques and comedies made him one of the most important literary figures of the Jacobean era.

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