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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TRANSFIGURATION by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: I SAW THEE ONCE AND NOUGHT DISCERN'D
Last Line: A SAINT -- A SAINT WAS THERE!

I SAW thee once and nought discern'd
For stranger to admire;
A serious aspect, but it burn'd
With no unearthly fire.

Again I saw, and I confess'd
Thy speech was rare and high;
And yet it vex'd my burden'd breast,
And scared, I knew not why.

I saw once more, and awe-struck gazed
On face, and form, and air;
God's living glory round thee blazed --
A Saint -- a Saint was there!



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