Sonnet 12. That learned Father, which so firmly proves

Michael Drayton (1563–1631)

[First printed in 1599 (No. 14), and in all later editions.]

To the Soul

THAT learned Father, which so firmly proves

The Soul of Man immortal and divine,

And doth the several Offices define:

Anima,Gives her that Name, as she the body moves.

Amor,Then is she Love, embracing Charity.

Animus,Moving a will in us, it is the Mind:

Mens,Retaining knowledge, still the same in kind.

Memoria,As intellectual, it is Memory.

Ratio,In judging, Reason only is her name.

Sensus,In speedy apprehension, it is Sense.

Conscientia,In right and wrong, they call her Conscience.

Spiritus,The Spirit, when it to GODward doth inflame.

These of the Soul, the several functions be,

Which my heart lightened by thy Love, doth see.