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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BEATRICE by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE

Poem Explanation

First Line: THRO' DANTE'S HANDS IN DREAMY VIGIL CLASP'D
Last Line: HER LOVE THE NOBLEST GIFT GOD'S SELF HATH GIVEN.
Subject(s): DANTE ALIGHIERI (1265-1321);

THRO' Dante's hands, in dreamy vigil clasp'd,
A pale green bud shot skyward from the sod;
He bowed and sighed; then laid the prize he grasp'd,
A folded lily, at the feet of God.

There she hath slowly open'd, age by age,
And grown a star to light Man's heart to heaven;
Her perfume his divinest heritage,
Her love the noblest gift God's self hath given.



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