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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WANDERINGS by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: ERE YET I LEFT HOME'S YOUTHFUL SHRINE
Last Line: HIS EDEN'S SACRED SHADE.

ERE yet I left home's youthful shrine,
My heart and hope were stored
Where first I caught the rays divine,
And drank the Eternal Word.

I went afar; the world unroll'd
Her many-pictured page;
I stored the marvels which she told,
And trusted to her gage.

Her pleasures quaff'd, I sought awhile
The scenes I prized before;
But parent's praise and sister's smile
Stirr'd my cold heart no more.

So ever sear, so ever cloy
Earth's favours as they fade;
Since Adam lost for one fierce joy
His Eden's sacred shade.



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