Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON THE DESERTED VILLAGE, by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD


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ON THE DESERTED VILLAGE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In vain fair auburn weeps her desert plains
Last Line: Till thou desert the muse and scorn her smile.
Alternate Author Name(s): Aikin, Anna Letitia
Subject(s): Goldsmith, Oliver (1730-1774); Great Britain


In vain fair Auburn weeps her desert plains;
She moves our envy who so well complains.
In vain has proud oppression laid her low;
She wears a garland on her faded brow.
Now, Auburn, now absolve impartial fate
Which, if it made thee wretched, makes thee great.
So, unobserv'd some humble plant may bloom,
Till, crush'd, it fills the air with sweet perfume.
So, had thy swains in ease and plenty slept,
Thy Poet had not sung, nor Britain wept.
Nor let Britannia mourn her drooping bay,
Unhonoured genius, and her swift decay;
Oh patron of the Poor! -- it cannot be,
While one, one Poet yet remains like thee;
Nor can the Muse desert our favoured isle
Till thou desert the Muse and scorn her smile.





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