Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, YOUTH AND KNOWLEDGE, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YOUTH AND KNOWLEDGE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What price, child, shall I pay for your bright eyes
Last Line: The wit to teach youth's zeal to use its wings.
Subject(s): Knowledge; Youth


WHAT price, child, shall I pay for your bright eyes
(How large a debt!) the light they shed on me?
What for your cheeks, so red in their surprise,
Your lips, your hands, your maiden gestures free,
Your fair brows crowned with grave nobility,
All the delight which in your presence lies,
The words unsaid, the deeds which dare not be,
The dreams undreamed, my meed of Paradise?
—Nay, I can pay naught; your poor bankrupt I,
Since gold may not nor frankincense nor myrrh
Serve my account nor any gift of kings.
Yet be my wealth yours, joys that fools deny,
Knowledge of life, love, power as presbyter,
The wit to teach youth's zeal to use its wings.





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