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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 61 by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF, IN THY SECOND STATE SUBLIME
Last Line: THE SOUL OF SHAKESPEARE LOVE THEE MORE.
Subject(s): HALLAM, ARTHUR HENRY (1811-1833); DEATH; MOURNING; FRIENDSHIP;

If, in thy second state sublime,
Thy ransom'd reason change replied
With all the circle of the wise,
The perfect flower of human time;

And if thou cast thine eyes below,
How dimly character'd and slight,
How dwarf'd a growth of cold and night,
How blanch'd with darkness must I grow!

Yet turn thee to the doubtful shore,
Where thy first form was made a man;
I loved thee, Spirit, and love, nor can
The soul of Shakespeare love thee more.



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