Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DUKE OF ALVA'S OBSERVATIONS ON KINGS, by ALFRED TENNYSON


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THE DUKE OF ALVA'S OBSERVATIONS ON KINGS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Kings, when to private audience they descend
Last Line: Like some old book which he has read all over.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers


KINGS, when to private audience they descend,
And make the baffled courtier their prey,
Do use an orange, as they treat a friend --
Extract the juice, and cast the rind away.

When thou art favour'd by thy sovereign's eye,
Let not his glance thine inmost thoughts discover;
Or he will scan thee through, and lay thee by,
Like some old book which he has read all over.







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