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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RODRIC by EMILY JANE BRONTE

Poet Analysis

First Line: LIE DOWN AND REST, THE FIGHT IS DONE
Subject(s): DEATH; WAR; DEAD, THE;

Lie down and rest, the fight is done,
āàThy comrades to the camp retire;
Gaze not so earnestly upon
āàThe far gleam of the beacon fire.

O list not to the wind-born sounds,
āàOf music and of soldiers' cheer;
Thou canst not go-remember wounds
āàExhaust thy life and hold thee here.

Had that hand power to raise the sword
āàWhich since this morn laid many low;
Had that tongue strength to speak the word,
āàThat urged thy followers on the foe;

Were that warm blood within thy veins
āàWhich now upon the earth is flowing,
Splashing its sod with crimson stains,
āàRedding the pale heath round thee growing;

Then Roderic, thou mightst still be turning
āàWith eager eye and anxious breast
To where those signal lights are burning,
āàTo where thy war-worn comrades rest.




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