Contention.

Discreet and prudent we that discord call
That either profits, or not hurts at all.

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English lyric poet and cleric. He is known for his book of poems, "Hesperides," which includes the carpe diem poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." His works are noted for their clarity, simplicity, and musical quality. Herrick was also a vicar of Dean Prior in Devon, despite being ejected during the English Civil War and later reinstated.

Robert Herrick

English

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To His Friend To Avoid Contention Of Words.

Words beget anger; anger brings forth blows;
Blows make of dearest friends immortal foes.
For which prevention, sociate, let there be
Betwixt us two no more logomachy.
Far better 'twere for either to be mute,
Than for to murder friendship by dispute.

Robert Herrick

Discord Not Disadvantageous.

Fortune no higher project can devise
Than to sow discord 'mongst the enemies.

Robert Herrick

Comforts In Contentions.

The same who crowns the conqueror, will be
A coadjutor in the agony.

Robert Herrick

Moderation.

In things a moderation keep:
Kings ought to shear, not skin their sheep.

Robert Herrick

Accusation.

If accusation only can draw blood,
None shall be guiltless, be he ne'er so good.

Robert Herrick

Suspicion Makes Secure.

He that will live of all cares dispossess'd,
Must shun the bad, aye, and suspect the best.

Robert Herrick