Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EXHORTATION, by CATULLE MENDES


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EXHORTATION, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou mayst be manly an thou wilt. Go! Clench thy hilt and brave the squall
Last Line: Who in despair breathe living air and shrink in dread from death's release.
Subject(s): Fights


THOU mayst be manly an thou wilt. Go! clench thy hilt, and brave the squall
Where on the peaks the whirlwind shrieks, and chase the wild stag till he fall.

Get thee to battle! Brows are bright on those that fight. Win food and sleep
In fast and toil. Go! share the spoil with smugglers on the mountain steep!

But in our soulless city ways, the barren days will wear thee down,
Where tears but suit a griefless mute, and mirth but masks a weeping clown.

As fountain spray but surges up to brim the cup of pools below,
A watery plume it is our doom to waver ever to and fro,—

Unstable wills by sloth worn out that shift about, and know no peace,
Who in despair breathe living air and shrink in dread from death's release.





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