Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HENDECASYLLABICS, by ALFRED TENNYSON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HENDECASYLLABICS, by         Recitation         Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: O you chorus of indolent reviewers
Last Line: Maiden, not to be greeted unbenignly.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron
Subject(s): Catullus, Gaius Valerius (84-54 B.c.); Critics & Criticism; Horticulture; Poetry & Poets


O YOU chorus of indolent reviewers,
Irresponsible, indolent reviewers,
Look, I come to the test, a tiny poem
All composed in a metre of Catullus,
All in quantity, careful of my motion.
Like the skater on ice that hardly bears him,
Lest I fall unawares before the people,
Waking laughter in indolent reviewers.
Should I flounder awhile without a tumble
Through this metrification of Catullus,
They should speak to me not without a welcome,
All that chorus of indolent reviewers.
Hard, hard, hard is it, only not to tumble,
So fantastical is the dainty metre.
Wherefore slight me not wholly, nor believe me
Too presumptuous, indolent reviewers.
O blatant Magazines, regard me rather--
Since I blush to belaud myself a moment--
As some rare little rose, a piece of inmost
Horticultural art, or half coquette-like
Maiden, not to be greeted unbenignly.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net