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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MEDALLION IN VILLA ALBINA, &C by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SINCE SERIOUSNESS IN MANY A FACE
Last Line: IN CANDOR GRAVE, TO NATURE DUE?

Since seriousness in many a face,
Open or latent, you may trace --
The ground-expression, wherein close
All smiles at last; and ever still
The revelation of repose;
Which sums the life, and tells the mood
Of inmost self in solitude --

Then wherefore, World, of bards complain
Whose verse the years and fate imbue
With reveries where no glosings reign --
An even unelated strain
In candor grave, to nature due?



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