Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF CLARENCE AND AVONDALE, by ALFRED TENNYSON


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THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF CLARENCE AND AVONDALE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The bridal garland falls upon the bier
Last Line: Until the great hereafter. Mourn in hope!
Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron
Subject(s): Mourning; Bereavement


TO THE MOURNERS

THE bridal garland falls upon the bier,
The shadow of a crown, that o'er him hung,
Has vanish'd in the shadow cast by Death.
So princely, tender, truthful, reverent, pure --
Mourn! That a world-wide Empire mourns with you,
That all the Thrones are clouded by your loss,
Were slender solace. Yet be comforted;
For if this earth be ruled by Perfect Love,
Then, after his brief range of blameless days,
The toll of funeral in an Angel ear
Sounds happier than the merriest marriage-bell.
The face of Death is toward the Sun of Life,
His shadow darkens earth: his truer name
Is 'Onward,' no discordance in the roll
And march of that Eternal Harmony
Whereto the worlds beat time, tho' faintly heard
Until the great Hereafter. Mourn in hope!







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