Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO A LADY SLEEPING by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: O THOU WHOSE FRINGED LIDS I GAZE UPON
Last Line: OVER HEAVEN'S PARAPET THE ANGELS LEAN.

O THOU whose fringed lids I gaze upon,
Through whose dim brain the winged dreams are borne,
Unroof the shrines of clearest vision,
In honor of the silver-flecked morn;
Long hath the white wave of the virgin light
Driven back the billow of the dreamful dark.
Thou all unwittingly prolongest night,
Though long ago listening the poised lark,
With eyes dropt downward through the blue serene,
Over heaven's parapet the angels lean.





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