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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: ALEXANDER by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WARRIOR OF GOD, WHOSE STRONG RIGHT ARM
Last Line: RETURNING WITH HOT CHEEK AND KINDLED EYES.
Subject(s): ALEXANDER THE GREAT (356-323 B.C.);

WARRIOR of God, whose strong right arm debased
The throne of Persia, when her Satrap bled
At Issus by the Syrian gates, or fled
Beyond the Memmian naphtha-pits, disgraced
For ever -- thee (thy pathway sand-erased)
Gliding with equal crowns two serpents led
Joyful to that palm-planted fountain-fed
Ammonian Oasis in the waste.
There in a silent shade of laurel brown
Apart the Chamian Oracle divine
Shelter'd his unapproached mysteries:
High things were spoken there, unhanded down;
Only they saw thee from the secret shrine
Returning with hot cheek and kindled eyes.



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