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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FORBEARANCE by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: HAST THOU NAMED ALL THE BIRDS WITHOUT A GUN?
Last Line: O, BE MY FRIEND, AND TEACH ME TO BE THINE!

HAST thou named all the birds without a gun?
Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk?
At rich men's tables eaten bread and pulse ?
Unarmed, faced danger with a heart of trust?
And loved so well a high behavior,
In man or maid, that thou from speech refrained,
Nobility more nobly to repay?
O, be my friend, and teach me to be thine!



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