Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE KING'S OLD HALL, by ELIZA COOK Poet's Biography First Line: Few ages since, and wild echoes awoke Last Line: "cries, ""put not your trust in corrupted things!" | ||||||||
Few ages since, and wild echoes awoke In thy sweeping dome and panelling oak; Thy seats were filled with a princely band, Rulers of men and lords of the land. Loudly they raved, and gaily they laughed, O'er the golden chalice and sparkling draught; And the glittering board and gem-studded plume Proclaimed thee a monarch's revelling room. But now the spider is weaving his woof, Making his loom of thy sculptured roof; The slug is leaving his slimy stain, Trailing his way o'er thy Gothic pane; Weeds have gathered and moss hath grown On thy tompost ridge and lowest stone; And the wheeling bat comes flapping his wing On the walls that circled a banqueting king. The idle stare and vulgar tread May fall where the regal train was spread; The gloomy owl may hide its nest, And the speckled lizard safely rest. Who were the revellers? where are their forms? Go to the charnel and ask of the worms. They are low in the dust, forgotten and passed, And the pile they raised is following fast. Oh, man, vain man! how futile your aim, When building your temples to pleasure and fame! Go, work for heaven with faith and care; Let good works secure thee a mansion there. For the palace of pageantry crumbles away; Its beauty and strength are mocked by decay; And a voice from the desolate halls of kings Cries, "Put not your trust in corrupted things!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE OLD ARM-CHAIR by ELIZA COOK A FOREST THOUGHT by ELIZA COOK A HOME IN THE HEART by ELIZA COOK AFTER A MOTHER'S DEATH by ELIZA COOK |
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