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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LONDON, 1802 (1) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: O FRIEND! I KNOW NOT WHICH WAY I MUST LOOK
Last Line: AND PURE RELIGION BREATHING HOUSEHOLD LAWS.
Subject(s): LONDON; MILTON, JOHN (1608-1674); SOCIAL PROTEST;

O FRIEND! I know not which way I must look
For comfort, being, as I am, opprest,
To think that now our life is only drest
For show; mean handy-work of craftsman, cook,
Or groom! -- We must run glittering like a brook
In the open sunshine, or we are unblest:
The wealthiest man among us is the best:
No grandeur now in nature or in book
Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense,
This is idolatry; and these we adore:
Plain living and high thinking are no more:
The homely beauty of the good old cause
Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence,
And pure religion breathing household laws.



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