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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE AMBUSCADE by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: MEEK CROSSING OF THE BOSOM'S LAWN
Last Line: HOW FROST FED AMOR'S BURNING ROSE.

Meek crossing of the bosom's lawn
Averted revery veil-like drawn,
Well beseem thee, nor obtrude
The cloister of thy virginhood.
And yet, white nun, that seemly dress
Of purity pale passionless,
A May-snow is; for fleeting term,
Custodian of love's slumbering germ --
Nay, nurtures it, till time disclose
How frost fed Amor's burning rose.



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