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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 73 by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: SO MANY WORLDS, SO MUCH TO DO
Last Line: OF FORCE THAT WOULD HAVE FORGED A NAME.
Subject(s): HALLAM, ARTHUR HENRY (1811-1833); DEATH; MOURNING; FRIENDSHIP; DEAD, THE;

So many worlds, so much to do,
So little done, such things to be,
How know I what had need of thee?
For thou wert strong as thou wert true.
The fame is quenched that I forsaw,
The head hath missed an earthly wreath:
I curse not nature, no, nor death;
For nothing is that errs from law.
We pass; the path that each man trod
Is dim, or will be dim, with weeds:
What fame is left for human deeds
In endless age? It rests with God.
O hollow wraith of dying fame,
Fade wholly, while the soul exults,
And self-enfolds the large results
Of force that would have forged a name.



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