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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PERSONAL SONNET: TO JEAN INGELOW by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: BRAVE LYRIST! LIKE THE SKY-LARK, HEAVEN-POSSESSED
Last Line: MELTS WITH THE SOFTNESS OF A FALLING STAR!
Subject(s): INGELOW, JEAN (1820-1897);

BRAVE lyrist! like the sky-lark, heaven-possessed,
Thy glance is sunward; and thy soul grown wise,
Fronts the full splendor of Apollo's eyes,
While following still thy muse's high behest:
Strength, sweetness, subtlety, are all expressed
In thy clear lays, -- whether they dare the skies,
O'ertopping radiant dawns, or rill-like rise,
To thread with rhythmic pulse earth's pastoral breast!
Proud inspiration, hand in hand with act
Hath made thy winged feet beautiful along
The haloed heights of thine eternal song:
So near our human love, though born afar,
Its mellow concord on the listener's heart
Melts with the softness of a falling star!



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