The Conuercyon of swerers / (The Conversion of Swearers)

Name: The Conuercyon of swerers / (The Conversion of Swearers)
Author: Stephen Hawes

By Stephen Hawes

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About This Book

A religious moral exhortation that rebukes habitual oath‑taking and other vices while urging penitence and reform. The poem frames those abuses as wounds to Christ and appeals to rulers and common people to curb swearing in courts and daily life, promising mercy to those who repent. The speaker invokes the passion of Christ as a reproach for worldly sin, catalogs pride, gluttony, lechery and covetousness, warns of divine justice, and calls for conversion, discipline, and charitable governance to restore moral order.

About the Author

Stephen Hawes

Stephen Hawes was a 15th-century English poet known for his allegorical works that reflect the moral and social concerns of his time. His notable poem, "The Pastime of Pleasure," explores themes of love and virtue through a rich tapestry of allegory and moral instruction. Hawes also contributed to the literary landscape with works such as "A Joyful Meditation of the Coronation of King Henry the Eighth" and "The Conversion of Swearers," which showcase his engagement with contemporary events and societal issues. His poetry is characterized by its intricate language and a blend of entertainment and didacticism, making him a significant figure in early English literature.