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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG FROM AN UNFINISHED DRAMA by WILLIAM WATSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOPE, THE GREAT EXPLORER
Last Line: AT DEATH'S GATE!
Subject(s): DEATH; HOPE; LIFE; LOVE; SINGING & SINGERS; DEAD, THE; OPTIMISM;

HOPE, the great explorer,
Love whom none can bind,
Youth that looks before her,
Age that looks behind,
Joy with brow like Summer's,
Care with wintry pate,
Masquers are and mummers
At Life's gate.

Pow'r with narrow forehead,
Wealth with niggard palm,
Wisdom old, whose hoar head
Vaunts a barren calm;
Haughty overcomers,
In their pomp and state; --
Masquers all and mummers
At Death's gate!



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