Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A CHARACTERIZATION; LINES ON THE HON. EDWARD ERNEST VILLIERS, by HENRY TAYLOR (1800-1886) Poet's Biography First Line: His life was private; safely led, aloof Last Line: And deck'd his altars daily with fresh flowers. | ||||||||
HIS life was private; safely led, aloof From the loud world, -- which yet he understood Largely and wisely, as no worldling could. For he, by privilege of his nature proof Against false glitter, from beneath the roof Of privacy, as from a cave, survey'd With steadfast eye its flickering light and shade, And gently judged for evil and for good. But whilst he mix'd not for his own behoof In public strife, his spirit glow'd with zeal, Not shorn of action, for the public weal, -- For truth and justice as its warp and woof, For freedom as its signature and seal. His life, thus sacred from the world, discharged From vain ambition and inordinate care, In virtue exercis'd, by reverence rare Lifted, and by humility enlarged, Became a temple and a place of prayer. In latter years he walk'd not singly there; For one was with him, ready at all hours His griefs, his joys, his inmost thoughts to share, Who buoyantly his burthens help'd to bear, And deck'd his altars daily with fresh flowers. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ATHULF AND ETHILDA by HENRY TAYLOR (1800-1886) THE COUNTRY CURATE by HENRY TAYLOR (1800-1886) THE HERO by HENRY TAYLOR (1800-1886) THE LAY OF ELENA by HENRY TAYLOR (1800-1886) TO THE AUTHOR'S WIFE by HENRY TAYLOR (1800-1886) TO MARY CHURCH TERRELL - LECTURER by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE UNDERGRADUATE KILLED IN BATTLE; OXFORD, 1915 by GEORGE SANTAYANA MERCILES BEAUTE; A TRIPLE ROUNDEL: 2. REJECTION by GEOFFREY CHAUCER A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 15 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN |
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