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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BARTHELEMON AT VAUXHALL by THOMAS HARDY

Poet Analysis

First Line: HE SAID: 'AWAKE MY SOUL, AND WITH THE SUN'
Last Line: IT SPREAD TO GALLERIED NAVES AND MIGHTY QUIRES.
Subject(s): BARTHELEMON, FRANCOIS HIPPOLITE; MUSIC & MUSICIANS;

HE said: "Awake my soul, and with the sun,". . .
And paused upon the bridge, his eyes due east,
Where was emerging like a full-robed priest
The irradiate globe that vouched the dark as done.

It lit his face -- the weary face of one
Who in the adjacent gardens charged his string,
Nightly, with many a tuneful tender thing,
Till stars were weak, and dancing hours outrun.

And then were threads of matin music spun
In trial tones as he pursued his way:
"This is a morn," he murmured, "well begun:
This strain to Ken will count when I am clay!"

And count it did; till, caught by echoing lyres,
It spread to galleried naves and mighty quires.



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