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THE SOURCE OF THE DANUBE by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: NOT, LIKE HIS GREAT COMPEERS, INDIGNANTLY
Last Line: TO FIX IN HEAVEN HER SHAPE DISTINCT WITH STARS.
Subject(s): DANUBE (RIVER);

NOT, like his great Compeers, indignantly
Doth DANUBE spring to life! The wandering Stream
(Who loves the Cross, yet to the Crescent's gleam
Unfolds a willing breast) with infant glee
Slips from his prison walls: and Fancy, free
To follow in his track of silver light,
Mounts on rapt wing, and with a moment's flight
Hath reached the encincture of that gloomy sea
Whose waves the Orphean lyre forbade to meet
In conflict; whose rough winds forgot their jars
To waft the heroic progeny of Greece;
When the first Ship sailed for the Golden Fleece --
ARGO -- exalted for that daring feat
To fix in heaven her shape distinct with stars.




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