Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FRAGMENT FROM THE MONK OF ATHOS, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON


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FRAGMENT FROM THE MONK OF ATHOS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Beside the confines of the aegean main
Last Line: Till heaven in mercy bids your pain and sorrows cease.
Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron
Subject(s): Greece


BESIDE the confines of the AEgean main,
Where northward Macedonia bounds the flood,
And views opposed the Asiatic plain,
Where once the pride of lofty Ilion stood,
Like the great Father of the giant brood,
With lowering port majestic Athos stands,
Crown'd with the verdure of eternal wood,
As yet unspoil'd by sacrilegious hands,
And throws his mighty shade o'er seas and distant lands.

And deep embosom'd in his shady groves
Full many a convent rears its glittering spire,
Mid scenes where Heavenly Contemplation loves
To kindle in her soul her hallow'd fire,
Where air and sea with rocks and woods conspire
To breathe a sweet religious calm around,
Weaning the thoughts from every low desire,
And the wild waves that break with murmuring sound
Along the rocky shore proclaim it holy ground.

Sequester'd shades where Piety has given
A quiet refuge from each earthly care,
Whence the rapt spirit may ascend to Heaven!
Oh, ye condemn'd the ills of lite to bear!
As with advancing age your woes increase,
What bliss amidst these solitudes to share
The happy foretaste of eternal Peace,
Till Heaven in mercy bids your pain and sorrows cease.





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