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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ALADDIN by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN I WAS A BEGGARLY BOY
Last Line: FOR I OWN NO MORE CASTLES IN SPAIN!

WHEN I was a beggarly boy,
And lived in a cellar damp,
I had not a friend nor a toy,
But I had Aladdin's lamp;
When I could not sleep for cold,
I had fire enough in my brain,
And builded, with roofs of gold,
My beautiful castles in Spain!

Since then I have toiled day and night,
I have money and power good store,
But I'd give all my lamps of silver bright,
For the one that is mine no more;
Take, Fortune, whatever you choose,
You gave, and may snatch again;
I have nothing 't would pain me to lose,
For I own no more castles in Spain!



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