An Argument by Thomas Moore

An Argument
by
Thomas Moore

I've oft been told by learned friars,
That wishing and the crime are one,
And Heaven punishes desires
As much as if the deed were done.

If wishing damns us, you and I
Are damned to all our heart's content;
Come, then, at least we may enjoy
Some pleasure for our punishment!

This poem is in the public domain.

Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852) was an Irish poet, composer, and songwriter who enjoyed both fame and financial success from his writing throughout his lifetime. Though Irish by birth, Thomas lived most of his life in London; nonetheless, he is considered Ireland's national poet. Fond of a good time, Thomas avoided prison at one point by moving to Bermuda until his debts in London could be paid. He was a close friend of Lord Byron, internationally known for his songs and poems and, at one point, Edgar Allan Poe pronounced Thomas "the most popular poet now living".

Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now

Darrell Arnold:
I am ashamed of my previous effort to be poetic and funny. Here's another try. "I am going to explore for more Moore to adore." There. Now that's a lot better.
Posted 09/25/2025 08:09 AM

Darrell Arnold:
Clever and funny with meter and rhyme. I am going to hunt up more Moore to adore.
Posted 09/25/2025 08:05 AM

Contents of this web site and all original text and images therein are copyright © by Your Daily Poem. All rights reserved.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing books through any poet's Amazon links helps to support Your Daily Poem.
The material on this site may not be copied, reproduced, downloaded, distributed, transmitted, stored, altered, adapted,
or otherwise used in any way without the express written permission of the owner.