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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LINES WRITTEN IN LONDON by FRANCES ANNE KEMBLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: STRUGGLE NOT WITH THY LIFE - THE HEAVY DOOM
Last Line: AND IT SHALL LEAD THEE TO THE GATES OF HEAVEN.

STRUGGLE not with thy life! -- the heavy doom
Resist not, it will bow thee like a slave:
Strive not! thou shalt not conquer; to thy tomb
Thou shalt go crush'd and ground, though ne'er so brave.

Complain not of thy life! -- for what art thou
More than thy fellows, that thou should'st not weep?
Brave thoughts still lodge beneath a furrow'd brow,
And the way-wearied have the sweetest sleep.

Marvel not at thy life! -- patience shall see
The perfect work of wisdom to her given,
Hold fast thy soul through this high mystery,
And it shall lead thee to the gates of heaven.



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