Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LEAR, by THOMAS HOOD


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LEAR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A poor old king, with sorrow for my crown
Last Line: Foolish -- and blind -- and overcome with years!
Subject(s): Fathers; Lear, King


A POOR old king, with sorrow for my crown,
Throned upon straw, and mantled with the wind --
For pity, my own tears have made me blind
That I might never see my children's frown;
And, may be, Madness, like a friend, has thrown
A folded fillet over my dark mind,
So that unkindly speech may sound for kind --
Albeit I know not. -- I am childish grown --
And have not gold to purchase wit withal --
I that have once maintain'd most royal state --
A very bankrupt now that may not call
My child my child -- all beggar'd save in tears,
Wherewith I daily weep an old man's fate,
Foolish -- and blind -- and overcome with years!





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