Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BOCCACCIO, by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BOCCACCIO, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Boccaccio, for you laughed all laughs that are
Last Line: You, and lucretius, and thucydides.
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, T. E.
Subject(s): Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375); Poetry & Poets


BOCCACCIO, for you laughed all laughs that are --
The Cynic scoff, the chuckle of the churl,
The laugh that ripples over reefs of pearl,
The broad, the sly, the hugely jocular;
Men call you lewd, and coarse, allege you mar
The music that, withdrawn your ribald skirl,
Were sweet as note of mavis or of merle --
Wherefore they frown, and rate you at the bar.
One thing is proved: To count the sad degrees
Upon the Plague's dim dial, catch the tone
Of a great death that lies upon a land,
Feel nature's ties, yet hold with steadfast hand
The diamond, you are three that stand alone --
You, and Lucretius, and Thucydides.





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