Against Jealousie

Ben Jonson

1572 to 1637

Poem Image

Wretched and foolish jealousie,
How cam'st thou thus to enter me?
I ne're was of thy kind;
Nor have I yet the narrow mind
To vent that poore desire,
That others should not warme them at my fire:
I wish the Sun should shine
On all mens Fruit, and flowers, as well as mine.

But under the Disguise of love
Thou sai'st, thou only cam'st to prove
What my Affections were.
Think'st thou that love is help'd by feare?
Goe, get thee quickly forth;
Loves sicknesse, and his noted want of worth,
Seeke doubting Men to please;
I ne're will owe my health to a disease.