Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IDYLL by SAMUEL JOHNSON (1709-1784)

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: HERMIT HOAR, IN SOLEMN CELL
Last Line: "COME, MY LAD, AND DRINK SOME BEER."
Subject(s): ALCOHOLISM & ALCOHOLICS; BEER; DRINKS & DRINKING; WARTON, THOMAS (1728-1790); DRUNKARDS; ALCOHOL ABUSE; ALE; WINE;

Hermit hoar, in solemn cell,
Wearing out life's evening gray,
Smite thy bosom, Sage, and tell,
What is bliss? And which the way?
Thus I spoke; and speaking sigh'd;
Scarce repress'd the starting tear;
When the hoary sage reply'd:
"Come, my lad, and drink some beer."






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