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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AT FURNESS ABBEY (1) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE, WHERE, OF HAVOC TIRED AND RASH UNDOING
Last Line: WHERE, CAVENDISH, 'THINE' SEEMS NOTHING BUT A NAME!
Subject(s): FURNESS ABBEY; ABBEY OF ST. MARY;

HERE, where, of havoc tired and rash undoing,
Man left this Structure to become Time's prey
A soothing spirit follows in the way
That Nature takes, her counter-work pursuing.
See how her Ivy clasps the sacred Ruin
Fall to prevent or beautify decay;
And, on the mouldered walls, how bright, how gay,
The flowers in pearly dews their bloom renewing!
Thanks to the place, blessings upon the hour;
Even as I speak the rising Sun's first smile
Gleams on the grass-crowned top of yon tall Tower
Whose cawing occupants with joy proclaim
Prescriptive title to the shattered pile
Where, Cavendish, 'thine' seems nothing but a name!




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