THE smooth-worn coin and threadbare classic phrase Of Grecian myths that did beguile my youth, Beguile me not as in the olden days: I think more grief and beauty dwell with truth. Andromeda, in fetters by the sea, Star-pale with anguish till young Perseus came, Less moves me with her suffering than she, The slim girl figure fettered to dark shame, That nightly haunts the park, there, like a shade, Trailing her wretchedness from street to street. See where she passes -- neither wife nor maid; How all mere fiction crumbles at her feet! Here is woe's self, and not the mask of woe: A legend's shadow shall not move you so! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BOYHOOD FRIENDS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS OCTAVES: 12 by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON NO PLATONIQUE LOVE by WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT GEORGE CRABBE by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON A MOTHER'S PICTURE by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN EDONI: THE WORSHIP OF COTYS by AESCHYLUS FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: A LOFTY MIND by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |