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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE UNLUCKY URCHIN by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: ON THE SHORE OF AN ISLAND FAR AWAY
Last Line: "REPRESSES AND CHAINS THE BRAVE AND GREAT!"
Subject(s): FATE; DESTINY;

On the shore of an island far away,
Stood a spirited youth, one summer day,
And thus he moaned to the moaning sea:

"Ah, sad is the fate that falls to me!
The cruel waves that around me roar,
They bind me down to this petty shore.
Oh, were I once on the other side,
I'd seek the lion, and tame his pride!
And after the royal beast was slain,
As king of the Beasts, in his place, I'd reign!
Ah, sad is our lot when a cruel fate
Represses and chains the brave and great!"



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