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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
EPILOGUE TO EIGHTEENTH CENTURY VIGNETTES (SECOND SERIES), by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What is it then,' - some reader asks Last Line: A suit for defamation. Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin | |||
'WHAT is it then,' -- some Reader asks, -- 'What is it that attaches Your fancy so to fans and masks, -- To periwigs and patches? 'Is Human Life to-day so poor, -- So bloodless, -- you disdain it, To 'galvanize' the Past once more?' -- Permit me. I'll explain it. This Age I grant (and grant with pride), Is varied, rich, eventful; But, if you touch its weaker side, Deplorably resentful: Belaud it, and it takes your praise With air of calm conviction; Condemn it, and at once you raise A storm of contradiction. Whereas with these old Shades of mine, Their ways and dress delight me; And should I trip by word or line, They cannot well indict me. Not that I think to err. I seek To steer 'twixt blame and blindness; I strive (as some one said in Greek) To speak the truth with kindness: But -- should I fail to render clear Their title, rank, or station -- I still may sleep secure, nor fear A suit for defamation. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A GAGE D'AMOUR by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON A GARDEN SONG by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON ARS VICTRIX (IMITATED FROM THEOPHILE GAUTIER) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON BEFORE SEDAN by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON DORA VERSUS ROSE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW; IN MEMORIAM by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON IN AFTER DAYS; RONDEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE BALLAD OF PROSE AND RHYME by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON WHEN THERE IS PEACE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |
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