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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EAGLES: COMPOSED AT DUNOLLY CASTLE IN THE BAY OF OBAN by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: DISHONORED ROCK AND RUIN! THAT, BY LAW
Last Line: HIS POWER, HIS BEAUTY, AND HIS MAJESTY.
Subject(s): BIRDS; EAGLES; SCOTLAND;

DISHONOURED Rock and Ruin! that, by law
Tyrannic, keep the Bird of Jove embarred
Like a lone criminal whose life is spared.
Vexed is he, and screams loud. The last I saw
Was on the wing; stooping, he struck with awe
Man, bird, and beast; then, with a consort paired,
From a bold headland, their loved aery's guard,
Flew high above Atlantic waves, to draw
Light from the fountain of the setting sun.
Such was this Prisoner once; and, when his plumes
The sea-blast ruffles as the storm comes on,
Then, for a moment, he, in spirit, resumes
His rank 'mong freeborn creatures that live free,
His power, his beauty, and his majesty.




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