Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HER DEFINITION, by THOMAS HARDY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HER DEFINITION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I lingered through the night to break of day
Last Line: The sweetest image outside paradise.


I LINGERED through the night to break of day,
Nor once did sleep extend a wing to me,
Intently busied with a vast array
Of epithets that should outfigure thee.

Full-featured terms - all fitless - hastened by,
And this sole speech remained: 'That maiden mine!' -
Debarred from due description then did I
Perceive the indefinite phrase could yet define.

As common chests encasing wares of price
Are borne with tenderness through halls of state,
For what they cover, so the poor device
Of homely wording I could tolerate,
Knowing its unadornment held as freight
The sweetest image outside Paradise.





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