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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE: BOOK 2. CANTO 5. PRELUDE. RACHEL by COVENTRY KERSEY DIGHTON PATMORE

Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU LOVED HER, AND WOULD LIE ALL NIGHT
Last Line: PROTEST AGAINST MORTALITY.

You loved her, and would lie all night
Thinking how beautiful she was,
And what to do for her delight.
Now both are bound with alien laws!
Be patient; put your heart to school;
Weep if you will, but not despair;
The trust that nought goes wrong by rule
Should ease this load the many bear.
Love, if there's heav'n, shall meet his dues,
Though here unmatch'd, or match'd amiss;
Meanwhile, the gentle cannot choose
But learn to love the lips they kiss.
Ne'er hurt the homely sister's ears
With Rachel's beauties; secret be
The lofty mind whose lonely tears
Protest against mortality.



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