Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ENIGMA: 8, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL Poet's Biography First Line: What was I? Such a clever friar Last Line: I learned to smoke instead of sleep. Subject(s): Bacon | ||||||||
WHAT was I? Such a clever friar, I barely 'scaped the witches' pyre; Yet doth philosophy in me One of her bright admirers see; And forms of classic beauty grew Beneath my hand to nature true; Each wondrous magic lantern show To me the happy children owe; With Schwartz contesting, I should mention The honor of his great invention. What am I? What you may despise, For I am little more than grease, And yet I am an annual prize For matrimonial love and peace. In every scrape or awkward plight I hope to save me you'll be able. I am the ploughboy's great delight, And often grace his Sunday table. From dreams of mire and sweet repose To streaky excellence I rose; And, following still the chimney sweep, I learned to smoke instead of sleep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...I DID THIS FOR THEE! WHAT HAST THOU DONE FOR ME? by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A BIRTHDAY GREETING TO MY FATHER, 1860 by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A CHRISTMAS WISH by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A COVENANT by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A GREAT MYSTERY by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A HAPPY NEW YEAR by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A LULL IN LIFE by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A MERRIE CHRISTMAS by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL |
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