Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LONDON, 1802 (1), by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LONDON, 1802 (1), by         Recitation     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: O friend! I know not which way I must look
Last Line: And pure religion breathing household laws.
Variant Title(s): Written In London, September, 1802;the Times That Are;in London, Setpember 1802;london, 1802
Subject(s): London; Milton, John (1608-1674); Social Protest


O FRIEND! I know not which way I must look
For comfort, being, as I am, opprest,
To think that now our life is only drest
For show; mean handy-work of craftsman, cook,
Or groom! -- We must run glittering like a brook
In the open sunshine, or we are unblest:
The wealthiest man among us is the best:
No grandeur now in nature or in book
Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense,
This is idolatry; and these we adore:
Plain living and high thinking are no more:
The homely beauty of the good old cause
Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence,
And pure religion breathing household laws.





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