Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS

Poet Analysis

First Line: THEY FLOAT BEFORE MY SOUL, THE FAIR DESIGNS
Last Line: FOR LOWLY HEARTS DEVOUT, BUT ONE ENDURING FANE!

THEY float before my soul, the fair designs
Which I would body forth to life and power,
Like clouds, that with their wavering hues and lines
Portray majestic buildings: -- dome and tower,
Bright spire, that through the rainbow and the shower
Points to th' unchanging stars; and high arcade,
Far-sweeping to some glorious alter, made
For holiest rites. Meanwhile the waning hour
Melts from me, and by fervent dreams c'er-wrought,
I sink. O friend! O linked with each high thought!
Aid me, of those rich visions to detain
All I may grasp; until thou see'st fulfilled,
While time and strength allow, my hope to build
For lowly hearts devout, but @3one@1 enduring fane!



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