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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TWO SONNETS: HARVARD. 2. 1643 'VERITAS' 1878, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: Truth: so the frontlet's older legend ran
Last Line: And let thine earliest symbol be thy last!
Subject(s): Harvard University
First Line: Truth: so the frontlet's older legend ran
Last Line: And let thine earliest symbol be thy last!
Subject(s): Harvard University
1643 "VERITAS." 1878
TRUTH: So the frontlet's older legend ran,
On the brief record's opening page displayed;
Not yet those clear-eyed scholars were afraid
Lest the fair fruit that wrought the woe of man
By far Euphrates -- where our sire began
His search for truth, and, seeking, was betrayed --
Might work new treason in their forest shade,
Doubling the curse that brought life's shortened span.
Nurse of the future, daughter of the past,
That stern phylactery best becomes thee now:
Lift to the morning star thy marble brow!
Cast thy brave truth on every warring blast!
Stretch thy white hand to that forbidden bough,
And let thine earliest symbol be thy last!
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