To Her Father With Some Verses By Anne Bradstreet

    Most truly honoured, 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 principle might yield a greater sum,
    Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crum,
    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 loose their right
    Such is my debt, I may not say forgive,
    But as I can, I’le pay it while I live:
    Such is my bond, none can discharge but I,
    Yet paying is not payd until I dye.