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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 31 by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN LAZARUS LEFT HIS CHARNEL-CAVE
Last Line: THE LIPS OF THAT EVANGELIST.
Subject(s): HALLAM, ARTHUR HENRY (1811-1833); DEATH; MOURNING; FRIENDSHIP;

When Lazarus left his charnel-cave,
And home to Mary's house return'd,
Was this demanded -- if he yearn'd
To hear her weeping by his grave?

'Where wert thou, brother, those four days?'
There lives no record of reply,
Which telling what it is to die
Had surely added praise to praise.

From every house the neighbors met,
The streets were fill'd with joyful sound,
A solemn gladness even crown'd
The purple brows of Olivet.

Behold a man raised up by Christ!
The rest remaineth unreveal'd;
He told it not, or something seal'd
The lips of that Evangelist.



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