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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG by AUBREY THOMAS DE VERE

First Line: SEEK NOT THE TREE OF SILKIEST BARK
Last Line: MAN-SHAPED LIKE THEE.
SEEK not the tree of silkiest bark
And balmiest bud,
To carve her name, while yet 'tis dark,
Upon the wood.
The world is full of noble tasks,
And wreaths hard-won:
Each work demands strong hearts, strong hands,
Till day is done.

Sing not that violet-veined skin;
That cheek's pale roses; --
The lily of that form wherein
Her soul reposes!
Forth to the fight, true man, true knight!
The clash of arms
Shall more prevail than whispered tale
To win her charms.

The warrior for the True, the Right,
Fights in Love's name.
The love that lures thee from that fight
Lures thee to shame.
That love which lifts the heart, yet leaves
The spirit free;
That love, or none, is fit for one
Man-shaped like thee.



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