Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE ANGLER, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thou that hast loved so long and well Last Line: May'st calmly bid thy streams farewell. Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Fish & Fishing; Anglers | ||||||||
THOU that hast loved so long and well The vale's deep, quiet streams, Where the pure water-lilies dwell, Shedding forth tender gleams; And o'er the pool the May-fly's wing Glances in golden eves of spring! Oh, lone and lovely haunts are thine! Soft, soft the river flows, Wearing the shadow of thy line, The gloom of alder-boughs; And in the midst a richer hue, One gliding vein of heaven's own blue. And there but low sweet sounds are heard -- The whisper of the reed, The plashing trout, the rustling bird, The scythe upon the mead; Yet, through the murmuring osiers near, There steals a step which mortals fear. 'Tis not the stag, that comes to lave At noon his panting breast; 'Tis not the bittern, by the wave Seeking her sedgy nest; The air is filled with summer's breath, The young flowers laugh -- yet look! 'tis Death! But if, where silvery currents rove, Thy heart, grown still and sage, Hath learned to read the words of love That shine o'er nature's page; If holy thoughts thy guests have been Under the shade of willows green; Then, lover of the silent hour By deep lone waters passed! Thence hast thou drawn a faith, a power, To cheer thee through the last; And, wont on brighter worlds to dwell, May'st calmly bid thy streams farewell. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...JOURNEY INTO THE EYE by DAVID LEHMAN THE GREAT BLACK HERON by DENISE LEVERTOV ISLA MUJERES by WILLIAM MATTHEWS SCHOOLS OF LITTLE FISH by MARVIN BELL TWO PICTURES OF A LEAF by MARVIN BELL OF FISH AND FISHERMEN by JOHN CIARDI A DIRGE (1) by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS |
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