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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TOMB OF EDGAR POE by STEPHANE MALLARME

Poem Explanation

First Line: JUST AS ETERNITY TRANSFORMS HIM AT LAST UNTO HIMSELF
Last Line: TO THE FOUL FLIGHTS OF STRAGGLING BLASPHEMY IN THE FUTURE.
Subject(s): POE, EDGAR ALLAN (1809-1849);

Just as eternity transforms him at last unto Himself,
The Poet rouses with a naked sword
His age terrified at not having discerned
That death was triumphant in that strange voice!

They, like a Hydra's vile start on hearing the angel
Once give a purer meaning to the words of the tribe
Loudly proclaimed sorcery drunk
In the dishonest flow of some foul brew.

From hostile soil and cloud, O grief!
If our imagination does not carve a bas-relief
With which to adorn the shining tomb of Poe

Silent block fallen here below from some dim disaster
Let this granite at least forever be a boundary
To the foul flights of straggling Blasphemy in the future.



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