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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE EARTH'S DESIRE by WILLIAM WATSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN A SIGH AS OF ABDICATION IS WRUNG
Last Line: SHE ASKS FOR THE BLISS OF THE ROSE, AND THE POMP OF THE NIGHTINGALE'S PAIN.
WHEN a sigh as of abdication is wrung from lordly things
By the rumour of crumbling pride that the eve of autumn brings;

When the troubled splendours come, and the green perfections go,
Amid flitting of vagabond tempest irresolute to and fro;

"Ask, ask thou a boon," say the Heavens to the wistful Earth; but in vain
She asks for the bliss of the Rose, and the pomp of the Nightingale's pain.



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