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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


JUNE, 1820 by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: FAME TELLS OF GROVES - FROM ENGLAND FAR AWAY
Last Line: YE HEAVENLY BIRDS! TO YOUR PROGENITORS.

FAME tells of groves -- from England far away --
Groves that inspire the Nightingale to trill
And modulate, with subtle reach of skill
Elsewhere unmatched, her ever-varying lay;
Such bold report I venture to gainsay:
For I have heard the quire of Richmond hill
Chanting, with indefatigable bill,
Strains that recalled to mind a distant day;
When, haply under shade of that same wood,
And scarcely conscious of the dashing oars
Plied steadily between those willowy shores,
The sweet-souled Poet of the Seasons stood --
Listening, and listening long, in rapturous mood,
Ye heavenly Birds! to your Progenitors.




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