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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
VERSES: THE MASTER'S SPEECH, by JOHN BYROM Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our worthy founder, gentlemen, this day Last Line: Take what you like, sirs, and excuse the rest. Subject(s): Plagiarism; Poetry & Poets; Speech; Oratory; Orators | |||
Our worthy Founder, Gentlemen, this day Appoints our youth an hour's poetic play, And that I yearly at this time should choose A single subject for their varied muse, That you may see how fancy will create A diff'rent image in each youngster's pate. Now, since our Milton, a renowned name, Has been attack'd for stealing into fame, I told them,"Lads, now be upon your guard; "Exert yourselves, and save your famous bard. "He's call'd a plagiary;'tis yours to shew "The vain reproach, to silence Milton's foe. "The point at which ye now must take your aim, "Remember as ye rhyme, is MILTON'S FAME; "Fame as a Poet only, as attack'd "For plund'ring verses:ne'er contest the fact; "Defend your bard, tho' granted; and confine "To three times six, at most, your eager line." Then lend a fav'ring ear while they rehearse Short, and almost extemporary verse, A thought work'd up that came into the mind, With rhymes the first and fittest they could find: Such was their task;the boys have done their best; Take what you like, Sirs, and excuse the rest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION by ANSELM HOLLO THE ORATION; AFTER CAVAFY by CAROLYN KIZER A VOICE FROM THE SWEAT-SHOPS (A HYMN WITH RESPONSES) by LOUIS UNTERMEYER A SIMPLIFICATION by RICHARD WILBUR MOTHER TONGUE by RANDY BLASING THE BOOK OF THE DEAD MAN (#13): 1. ABOUT THE DEAD MAN AND THUNDER by MARVIN BELL THE BOOK OF THE DEAD MAN (#13): 2. MORE ABOUT THE DEAD MAN AND THUNDER by MARVIN BELL |
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