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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DEATH OF MOSES by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: MY FATHER'S HOPE! MY CHILDHOOD'S DREAM!
Last Line: BUT SEEN, AND NOT POSSEST?
Subject(s): MOSES;

MY Father's hope! my childhood's dream!
The promise from on high!
Long waited for! its glories beam
Now when my death is nigh.

My death is come, but not decay;
Nor eye nor mind is dim;
The keenness of youth's vigorous day
Thrills in each nerve and limb.

Blest scene! thrice welcome after toil --
If no deceit I view;
O might my lips but press the soil,
And prove the vision true!

Its glorious heights, its wealthy plains,
Its many-tinted groves,
They call! but He my steps restrains
Who chastens whom He loves.

Ah! now they melt...they are but shades...
I die! -- yet is no rest,
O Lord! in store, since Canaan fades
But seen, and not possest?



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