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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON THE DEATH OF RICHARD WEST by THOMAS GRAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN VAIN TO ME THE SMILING MORNINGS SHINE
Last Line: AND WEEP THE MORE, BECAUSE I WEEP IN VAIN.
Subject(s): GRIEF; MOURNING; WEST, RICHARD (1716-1742); SORROW; SADNESS; BEREAVEMENT;

In vain to me the smiling mornings shine,
And reddening Phoebus lifts his golden fire;
The birds in vain their amorous descant join,
Or cheerful fields resume their green attire;
These ears, alas! for other notes repine,
A different object do these eyes require;
My lonely anguish melts no heart but mine,
And in my breast the imperfect joys expire.
Yet morning smiles the busy race to cheer,
And newborn pleasure brings to happier men;
The fields to all their wonted tribute bear;
To warm their little loves the birds complain:
I fruitless mourn to him that cannot hear,
And weep the more, because I weep in vain.



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