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