The following poem by John Fletcher is one of my favourite poems written in English. It connects to me in a special way because it is based on a religious pedestal, more so these days when people are running away from religious and moral teachings. I enjoy it. Hence it is the opening tract in my collection of short stories published in 1999 titled “The Malam’s Potion.”<\/p>\n
“Upon An Honest Man’s Fortune”<\/strong><\/p>\n You that can look through Heav’n, and tell the stars, JOHN FLECHER (1579-1625)<\/p>\n
\nobserve their kind conjections, and their wars;
\nTo those men honours, pleasure, to those ease:
\nYou that are God’s surveyors, and can show
\nHow far, and when, and why the wind doth blow;
\nKnow all the charges of the dreadful thunder,
\nAnd when it will shoot over, or fall under,
\nTell me, by all your art I conjure ye,
\nYes, and by truth, what shall become of me?
\nFind out my star, if each one as you say,
\nObserved my fate, next fall into your dreams,
\nSweep clean your houses, and new-line your schemes,
\nThen say your worst! Or have I none at all?
\nOr is it burnt out lately? Or did fall?
\nMy star, like me, unworthy of a name?
\nIs it, your art can only work on those
\nThat deal with dangers, dignities, and clothes?
\nWith love, or new opinions? You all lie!
\nA fish-wife hath a fate, and so have I:
\nBut far above your finding! He that gives,
\nOut of His providence, to all that lives,
\nAnd no man knows his treasure, no, not you!<\/p>\n