Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IMITATION OF AN ODE BY KOODRUT, by REGINALD HEBER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IMITATION OF AN ODE BY KOODRUT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ambition's voice was in my ear, she whisper'd yesterday
Last Line: "the lesser wealth, the lighter load, -- small blame betides the poor."
Subject(s): Ambition; Wisdom


AMBITION's voice was in my ear, she whisper'd yesterday,
"How goodly is the land of Room, how wide the Russian sway!
How bless'd to conquer either realm, and dwell through life to come,
Lull'd by the harp's melodious string, cheer'd by the northern drum!"
But Wisdom heard; "Oh youth," she said, "in passion's fetter tied,
O come and see a sight with me shall cure thee of thy pride!"
She led me to a lonely dell, a sad and shady ground,
Where many an ancient sepulchre gleam'd in the moonshine round.
And "Here Secunder sleeps," she cried; "this is his rival's stone;
And here the mighty chief reclines who rear'd the Median throne.
Enquire of these, doth aught of all their ancient pomp remain
Save late regret and bitter tears for ever and in vain?
Return, return, and in thy heart engraven keep my lore;
The lesser wealth, the lighter load, -- small blame betides the poor."





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