Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, RESPONSE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RESPONSE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Beside that milestone where the level sun
Last Line: The finer grace of unfulfilled designs.


BESIDE that milestone where the level sun,
Nigh unto setting, sheds his last, low rays
On word and work irrevocably done,
Life's blending threads of good and ill outspun,
I hear, O friends! your words of cheer and praise,
Half doubtful if myself or otherwise.
Like him, who, in the old Arabian joke,
A beggar slept and crowned Caliph woke.
Thanks not the less. With not unglad surprise
I see my life-work through your partial eyes;
Assured, in giving to my home-taught songs
A higher value than of right belongs,
You do but read between the written lines
The finer grace of unfulfilled designs.





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