Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE WANDERER: 1. IN ITALY: A CHAIN TO WEAR, by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WANDERER: 1. IN ITALY: A CHAIN TO WEAR, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Away! Away! The dream was vain
Last Line: Hush! ...Do not speak.
Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Owen; Lytton, 1st Earl Of; Lytton, Robert
Subject(s): Italy; Love - Loss Of; Travel; Italians; Journeys; Trips


AWAY! away! The dream was vain.
We meet too soon, or meet too late:
Still wear, as best you may, the chain
Your own hands forged about your fate,
Who could not wait!

What! ...you had given your life away
Before you found what most life misses?
Forsworn the bridal dream, you say,
Of that ideal love, whose kisses
Are vain as this is!

Well, I have left upon your mouth
The seal I know must burn there yet;
My claim is set upon your youth;
My sign upon your soul is set:
Dare you forget?

And you 'll haunt, I know, where music plays,
Yet find a pain in music's tone;
You 'll blush, of course, when others praise
That beauty scarcely now your own.
What 's done, is done!

For me, you say, the world is wide, --
Too wide to find the grave I seek!
Enough! whatever now betide,
No greater pang can blanch my cheek.
Hush! ...do not speak.





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