Digital Donne: the Online Variorum

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Previous image Next image The 1654 Prose Letters  Letter 27, cont. (p.80)




ruption and want of those fundamentall
parts whereof we consist, is Vice: and that
Collectio stercorum, which is but the excrement
of that corruption, is our Vanity and indis-
cretion: both these have but one root in
me, and must be pulled out at once, or ne-
ver But I am so farre from digging to it, that
I know not where it is, for it is not in mine
eyes only, but in every sense, nor in my con-
cupiscence only, but in every power and
affection. Sir, I was willing to let you see
how impotent a man you love, not to dis-
hearten you from doing so still (for my
vices are not infectious, nor wandring, they
came not yesterday, nor mean to go away
to day: they Inne not, but dwell in me, and
see themselves so welcome, and find in me
so good bad company of one another, that
they will not change, especially to one not
apprehensive, nor easily accessible) but I do
it, that your counsell might cure me, and if
you deny that, your example shal, for I will
as much strive to be like you as I will wish
to continue good.
[CW: To]
p.80

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