Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THIRTEEN AT TABLE, by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER First Line: I spilt the salt, one day -- and worse Last Line: I've looked on death, and do not fear! Subject(s): Death; Dead, The | ||||||||
I. I SPILT the salt, one day, -- and, worse, "Thirteen at table! Sure, some curse Is in the omens! Such the way That Death gives warning, -- so they say." Scarce had I spoken, when a sprite, Young, handsome, joyous, met my sight; Whereat I cried, "Friends! be of cheer! I've looked on Death, and do not fear!" II. A gay, invited guest she seemed; With fairest flowers her forehead gleamed; A rainbow arched her head around; A broken chain was on the ground; And, sweetly nestling on her breast, A sleeping baby lay at rest. Fill up, my friends! -- No danger's near; I've looked on Death, and do not fear! III. "Why tremble?" said the spirit, -- "why? Sister of Hope, Heaven's daughter I! From weary necks I lift the yoke; I touch the slave, -- his chain is broke, To man -- fallen angel -- I restore The seraph wings he had of yore!" " O maid!" I cried, "thou'rt welcome here! I've looked on Death, and do not fear!" IV. "By me released from carnal thrall, The soul, beyond this earthly ball, Shall range in yonder azure clime, In spacious fields and paths sublime; But here, oppressed by fleshly woes, Ah! little joy the spirit knows!" A bumper to that higher sphere! I've looked on Death, and do not fear! V. Alas! although I bid her stay, The lovely vision flies away; In vain we mortals wish to shun The rest that waits our journey done; Life is a ship, mere sailors we; And tide and wind are fair and free. Thirteen! Who cares? God's smile is here; I've looked on Death, and do not fear! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND MY BALD HEAD by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER |
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