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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 58 by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN THOSE SAD WORDS I TOOK FAREWELL
Last Line: AND THOU SHALT TAKE A NOBLER LEAVE.'
Subject(s): HALLAM, ARTHUR HENRY (1811-1833); DEATH; MOURNING; FRIENDSHIP;

In those sad words I took farewell.
Like echoes in sepulchral halls,
As drop by drop the water falls
In vaults and catacombs, they fell;

And, falling, idly broke the peace
Of hearts that beat from day to day,
Half-conscious of their dying clay,
And those cold crypts where they shall cease.

The high Muse answer'd: 'Wherefore grieve
Thy brethren with a fruitless tear?
Abide a little longer here,
And thou shalt take a nobler leave.'



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