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Pallas Athene
SONNET NO. 85
My tongue-tied muse in manners holds her still,
While comments of your praise, richly compiled,
Reserve their character with golden quill
And precious phrase by all the muses filed,
I think good thoughts whilst other write good words
And like unletter'd clerk still cry `amen
To every hymn that able spirit affords
In polish'd form of well-refined pen
Hearing you praised, I say `tis so, tis true,
And to the most of praise add something more;
But that is in my thought whose love to you,
(Though words come hindmost) holds his rank before
Then others for the breath of words respect
Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.
Note the repetitions of the following, we find-praise, praise,
words, words, words, thought, thoughts, thoughts.
1st Line. In manners from politeness.
2nd Line. Compiled = composed.
7th Line. Hymn = Poem.
14th Line. In effect = virtually.
Here Bacon tells us that his muse is silent while all the muses
with pen have praised his work. He tells us that whilst others
write good words he thinks good thoughts. When he hears others praising her he says " Tis so, tis true " but adds something more which is in his thoughts and for her which comes before words. Others respect the breath (sound) of words but he for his dumb thoughts which are in effect speaking.
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