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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE COAST OF BOHEMIA by WILLIAM ALEXANDER PERCY

First Line: LIKE SOME STILL ANGEL WHO, IN TOILLESS MIGHT
Last Line: OF SEA FLAMED LOOSE -- AND THEN WE SAW THOSE ISLES.
Subject(s): BOHEMIAN FOREST, EUROPE; SEA; OCEAN;

Like some still angel who, in toilless might,
The empyrean cleaves with unstirred wings,
Heedless of his proud speed save where it springs
About his feet like blown, quick-curling light --
So passed our ship in soft, gloom-charmed flight,
Midmost a huge, drear shade of sea and air,
Voiceless, indissoluble, saving where
Prowwards awoke two folds of fiery white.
The wash of dim infinity, the swoon
Of vasty quiet hushed us. Then the least
Dawn quivered -- nay, the east dreamed of the moon.
Breathless, we watched. Again! Ah, elfin east!
The white day leaped upon the world. The miles
Of sea flamed loose -- and then we saw those isles.



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