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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHAMBER MUSIC: 24 by JAMES JOYCE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SILENTLY SHE'S COMBING
Last Line: AND MANY A NEGLIGENCE.
Subject(s): LOVE; HAIR;

Silently she's combing,

Combing her long hair

Silently and graciously,

With many a pretty air.



The sun is in the willow leaves

And on the dappled grass,

And still she's combing her long hair

Before the looking-glass.





I pray you, cease to comb out,

Comb out your long hair,

For I have heard of witchery

Under a pretty air,





That makes as one thing to the lover

Staying and going hence,

All fair, with many a pretty air

And many a negligence.




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