Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EQUALITY by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS

Poem Explanation

First Line: THE BEAUTIFUL DANCING-WOMEN WOVE THEIR MAZE
Last Line: "SHALL BE AS ALL THE SAINTS ARE, IN THE DUST."
Subject(s): DANCING & DANCERS; LUST; SEDUCTION; THEATER & THEATERS; WOMEN'S RIGHTS; STAGE LIFE; FEMINISM;
The beautiful dancing-women wove their maze,
With many a swift lascivious leer and lure
For the hot theatre, whose myriad gaze
Burned on their shamelessness with eyes impure.

Then one that watched unseen among them—dread,
Mystical, ineffable of presence—said,
"Patience! And leave me these poor wanton ones:
Soon they shall lie as meek and cold as nuns;
And you that hire them here to tempt your lust
Shall be as all the saints are, in the dust."



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