# Opusculum explained — Verses on Various Occasions

> Chapter companion for Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

## What happens

A brief, playful poem written for a small album, addressing a fair cousin with whimsical comparisons and a promise of affectionate secrecy.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker, a self-described sage, addresses his cousin in a lighthearted tone.

## Key lines

> Fair Cousin, thy page is small to encage the thoughts which engage the mind of a sage, such as I am;

Dear cousin, your album page is too small to contain the grand thoughts of a wise person like me.

_The speaker humorously exaggerates his own wisdom to contrast with the limited space._

> So I promise to be a good Cousin to thee, and to keep safe the secret I heard, although ev'ry one know it;

I promise to be a faithful cousin and guard the secret you told me, even though it's already common knowledge.

_A playful vow of confidentiality that undercuts itself with the admission that the secret is not really secret._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xii-opusculum
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters