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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO CHARLES BURNEY, by FRANCES (FANNY) BURNEY First Line: Oh author of my being! - far more dear / to me than light Last Line: Accept the tribute -- but forget the lay. Alternate Author Name(s): D'arblay, Madame Subject(s): Fathers | |||
OH author of my being! -- far more dear To me than light, than nourishment, or rest, Hygieia's blessings, Rapture's burning tear, Or the life-blood that mantles in my breast! If in my heart the love of Virtue glows, 'Twas planted there by an unerring rule; From thy example the pure flame arose, Thy life, my precept -- thy good works, my school. Could my weak powers thy numerous virtues trace, By filial love each fear should be repressed; The blush of Incapacity I'd chase, And stand, recorder of thy worth, confessed: But since my niggard stars that gift refuse, Concealment is the only boon I claim; Obscure be still the unsuccessful Muse, Who cannot raise, but would not sink, your fame. Oh! of my life at once the source and joy! If e'er thy eyes these feeble lines survey, Let not their folly their intent destroy; Accept the tribute -- but forget the lay. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLAYING DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS PRAYER BEFORE BED by ANDREW HUDGINS THE FUNERAL SERMON by ANDREW HUDGINS ELEGY FOR MY FATHER, WHO IS NOT DEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS EUROPE AND AMERICA by DAVID IGNATOW EUROPE AND AMERICA by DAVID IGNATOW ESTATE SALE by WAYNE KOESTENBAUM AN INTERVIEW WITH MILES STANDISH by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL |
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