Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672)
Most truly honored,
and as truly dear,
If worth in me or ought I do appear,
Who can of right better demand the same
Then may your worthy self from whom it came?
The principal might yield a greater sum,
Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crumb.
My stock’s so small I know not how to pay,
My bond remains in force unto this day.
Yet for part payment take this simple mite,
Where nothing’s to be had, kings lose their right.
Such is my debt I may not say forgive,
But as I can, I’ll pay it while I live.
Such is my bond, none can discharge but I,
Yet paying is not paid until I die.