|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SARDANAPALUS, by HENRY HOWARD Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: The assyrian king - in peace, with foul desire
Last Line: Murdered himself, to show some manful deed.
Alternate Author Name(s): Surrey, Earl Of
Subject(s): Henry Viii, King Of England (1491-1547); Mythology - Classical; Sardanapalus (7th Century B.c.); Suicide
First Line: The assyrian king - in peace, with foul desire
Last Line: Murdered himself, to show some manful deed.
Alternate Author Name(s): Surrey, Earl Of
Subject(s): Henry Viii, King Of England (1491-1547); Mythology - Classical; Sardanapalus (7th Century B.c.); Suicide
The Assyrian King in peace, with foul desire
And filthy lusts, that stained his regal heart
In war that should set princely hearts on fire:
Did yield, vanquished for want of martial art.
The dint of swords from kisses seemed strange:
And harder, than his lady's side, his targe:
From glutton feasts, to soldier's fare a change:
His helmet, far above a garland's charge.
Who scarce the name of manhood did retain,
Drenched in sloth, and womanish delight,
Feeble of spirit, impatient of pain:
When he had lost his honour, and his right:
Proud, time of wealth, in storms appalled with dread,
Murdered himself, to show some manful deed.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
BOARDMAN AND COFFIN by CONRAD AIKEN
FOR THE SUICIDES OF TWO YEARS AGO by DONALD JUSTICE
SEVEN STREAMS OF NEVIS by GALWAY KINNELL
DIDO AND AENEAS by CHARLES MARTIN
I COULD NOT TELL by SHARON OLDS
POOR DEVIL! by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET
THE DREAM SONGS: 145 by JOHN BERRYMAN
A PRAISE OF HIS LOVE by HENRY HOWARD
COMPLAINT OF THE ABSENCE OF HER LOVER BEING UPON THE SEA by HENRY HOWARD