Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CHINAMAN, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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THE CHINAMAN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Centre of earth!' a chinaman he said
Last Line: His tail: those flames became its funeral-pyre.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): China; Hair; Maps


'Centre of Earth!' a Chinaman he said,
And bent over a map his pig-tailed head, --
That map in which, portrayed in colours bright,
China, all dazzling, burst upon the sight:
'Centre of Earth!' repeatedly he cries,
'Land of the brave, the beautiful, the wise!'
Thus he exclaimed; when lo his words arrested
Showed what sharp agony his head had tested.
He feels a tug -- another, and another --
And quick exclaims, 'Hallo! what's now the bother?'
But soon alas perceives. And, 'Why, false night,
Why not from men shut out the hateful sight?
The faithless English have cut off my tail,
and left me my sad fortunes to bewail.
Now in the streets I can no more appear,
For all the other men a pig-tail wear.'
He said, and furious cast into the fire
His tail: those flames became its funeral-pyre.





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