Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AUSTERITY OF POETRY, by MATTHEW ARNOLD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AUSTERITY OF POETRY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: That son of italy who tried to blow
Last Line: Of thought and of austerity within.
Variant Title(s): Jacopone Da Todi
Subject(s): Jacopone Da Todi (1230-1306); Muses; Poetry & Poets


THAT son of Italy who tried to blow,
Ere Dante came, the trump of sacred song,
In his light youth amid a festal throng
Sate with his bride to see a public show.

Fair was the bride, and on her front did glow
Youth like a star; and what to youth belong,
Gay raiment, sparkling gauds, elation strong.
A prop gave way! crash fell a platform! lo,

Mid struggling sufferers, hurt to death, she lay!
Shuddering they drew her garments off--and found
A robe of sackcloth next the smooth, white skin.

Such, poets, is your bride, the Muse! young, gay,
Radiant, adorn'd outside; a hidden ground
Of thought and of austerity within.





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