Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SUPREME CONSUMATIN, by CHARLES MARIE RENE LECONTE DE LISLE



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THE SUPREME CONSUMATIN, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Nay, but the world is old, nigh old as hell
Last Line: Pass to my endless home with spirit clean!
Subject(s): Death; Life; Time; Dead, The


NAY, but the world is old, nigh old as hell;
Since first man wept, since first desire o'ercame
With fire more fierce and bitterer than hell's flame,
The tale of time is grown too long to tell.
'Tis life is ill and dying that is well,
Whether wrist-bound the sea our body claim,
Or with clear eyes on heaven we fall full game
To stroke of sword or to the bursting shell.

Thou hast my love, O heart whom Earth so craves,
O burning might that bears the martyr out
Whose soul in passing grows in strength serene!
O splendid blood, come shrive me in thy waves,
So may I, while the vulgar rabble shout,
Pass to my endless home with spirit clean!





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