Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BOOK, by HENRY VAUGHAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BOOK, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Eternal god! Maker of all
Last Line: Who in them lov'd and sought thy face!
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist
Subject(s): Books; Doubt; Reading; Skepticism


Eternal God! maker of all
That have liv'd here, since the mans fall;
The Rock of ages! in whose shade
They live unseen, when here they fade.
Thou knew'st this papyr, when it was
Meer seed, and after that but grass;
Before 'twas drest or spun, and when
Made linen, who did wear it then:
What were their lifes, their thoughts and deeds
Whither good corn, or fruitless weeds.
Thou knew'st this Tree, when a green shade
Cover'd it, since a Cover made,
And where it flourish'd, grew and spread,
As if it never should be dead.
Thou knew'st this harmless beast, when he
Did liee and feed by thy decree
On each green thing; then slept (well fed)
Cloath'd with this skln, which now lies spread
A Covering o're this aged book,
Which makes me wisely weep and look
On my own dust; meer dust it is,
But not so dry and clean at this.
Thou knew'st and saw'st them all, and though
Now scatter'd thus, dost know them so.
O knowing, glorious spirit! when
Thou shalt restore trees, beasts and men,
When thou shalt make all new again,
Destroying onely death and pain,
Give him amongst thy works a place,
Who in them lov'd and sought thy face!







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