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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE BALLAD OF THE BARMECIDE, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To one in eastern clime, - 'tis said Last Line: Where is thy feast, o barmecide?' Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin | |||
TO one in Eastern clime, -- 'tis said, -- There came a man at eve with 'Lo! Friend, ere the day be dimmed and dead, Hast thou a mind to feast, and know Fair cates, and sweet wine's overflow?' To whom that other fain replied -- 'Lead on. Not backward I nor slow; -- Where is thy feast, O Barmecide?' Thereon the bidder passed and led To where, apart from dust and glow, They found a board with napery spread, And gold, and glistering cups a-row. 'Eat,' quoth the host, yet naught did show. To whom his guest -- 'Thy board is wide; But barren is the cheer, I trow; Where is thy feast, O Barmecide?' 'Eat,' quoth the man not less, and fed From meats unseen, and made as though He drank of wine both white and red. 'Eat, -- ere the day to darkness grow. Short space and scant the Fates bestow!' What time his guest him wondering eyed, Muttering in wrath his beard below -- 'Where is thy feast, O Barmecide?' ENVOY. LIFE, -- 'tis of thee they fable so. Thou bidd'st us eat, and still denied, Still fasting, from thy board we go: -- 'Where is thy feast, O Barmecide?' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A GAGE D'AMOUR by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON A GARDEN SONG by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON ARS VICTRIX (IMITATED FROM THEOPHILE GAUTIER) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON BEFORE SEDAN by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON DORA VERSUS ROSE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW; IN MEMORIAM by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON IN AFTER DAYS; RONDEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE BALLAD OF PROSE AND RHYME by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON WHEN THERE IS PEACE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |
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