Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE VALLEY OF VAIN VERSES by HENRY VAN DYKE

First Line: THE GRIEF THAT IS BUT FEIGNING
Last Line: AND THEY CRUMBLE INTO DUST.
Subject(s): POETRY & POETS;
THE grief that is but feigning,
And weeps melodious tears
Of delicate complaining
From self-indulgent years;
The mirth that is but madness,
And has no inward gladness
Beneath its laughter straining,
To capture thoughtless ears;

The love that is but passion
Of amber-scented lust;
The doubt that is but fashion;
The faith that has no trust;
These Thamyris disperses,
In the Valley of Vain Verses
Below the Mount Parnassian, --
And they crumble into dust.



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