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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GHAZELES: 3. WRITTEN AT AMALFI by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES

Poet Analysis

First Line: IT IS THE MID-MAY SUN, THAT, RAYLESS AND PEACEFULLY GLEAMING
Last Line: BOUND IN THE WORLD'S DEAD SLEEP -- DRIED UP BY ITS TREACHEROUS SEEMING.
Subject(s): ITALY; ITALIANS;

IT is the mid-May Sun, that, rayless and peacefully gleaming,
Out of its night's short prison, this blessed of lands is redeeming;
It is the fire evoked from the hearts of the citron and orange,
So that they hang, like lamps of the day, translucently beaming;
It is the veinless water, and air unsoiled by a vapour,
Save what, out of the fullness of life, from the valley is steaming;
It is the olive that smiles, even he, the sad growth of the moonlight,
Over the flowers, whose breasts triple-folded with odours are teeming;
Yes, it is these bright births, that to me are a shame and an anguish,
@3They@1 are alive and awake, -- @3I@1 dream, and know I am dreaming;
I cannot bathe @3my@1 soul in this ocean of passion and beauty, --
Not @3one@1 dew-drop is on me of all that about me is streaming;
Oh! I am thirsty for Life, -- I pant for the freshness of Nature,
Bound in the World's dead sleep -- dried up by its treacherous seeming.



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