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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE GERMANS ON THE HEIGHTS OF HOCHHEIM by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: ABRUPTLY PAUSED THE STRIFE; - THE FIELD THROUGHOUT
Last Line: THE UNCONQUERABLE STREAM HIS COURSE PURSUE.

ABRUPTLY paused the strife; -- the field throughout
Resting upon his arms each warrior stood,
Checked in the very act and deed of blood,
With breath suspended, like a listening scout.
O Silence! thou wert mother of a shout
That through the texture of yon azure dome
Cleaves its glad way, a cry of harvest home
Uttered to Heaven in ecstasy devout!
The barrier Rhine hath flashed, through battle-smoke,
On men who gaze heart-smitten by the view,
As if all Germany had felt the shock!
-- Fly, wretched Gauls! ere they the charge renew
Who have seen -- themselves now casting off the yoke --
The unconquerable Stream his course pursue.





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