Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A PARABLE, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Worn and footsore was the prophet Last Line: "she had plucked and brought to me." | ||||||||
WORN and footsore was the Prophet, When he gained the holy hill; "God has left the earth," he murmured, "Here his presence lingers still. "God of all the olden prophets, Wilt thou speak with men no more? Have I not as truly served thee As thy chosen ones of yore? "Hear me, guider of my fathers, Lo! a humble heart is mine; By thy mercy I beseech thee Grant thy servant but a sign!" Bowing then his head, he listened For an answer to his prayer; No loud burst of thunder followed, Not a murmur stirred the air: -- But the tuft of moss before him Opened while he waited yet, And, from out the rock's hard bosom, Sprang a tender violet. "God! I thank thee," said the Prophet; "Hard of heart and blind was I, Looking to the holy mountain For the gift of prophecy. "Still thou speakest with thy children Freely as in eld sublime; Humbleness, and love, and patience, Still give empire over time. "Had I trusted in my nature, And had faith in lowly things, Thou thyself wouldst then have sought me, And set free my spirit's wings. "But I looked for signs and wonders, That o'er men should give me sway; Thirsting to be more than mortal, I was even less than clay. "Ere I entered on my journey, As I girt my loins to start, Ran to me my little daughter, The beloved of my heart; -- "In her hand she held a flower, Like to this as like may be, Which, beside my very threshold, She had plucked and brought to me." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN INTERVIEW WITH MILES STANDISH by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL AUF WIEDERSEHEN! SUMMER by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL AUSPEX by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL BEAVER BROOK by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL COMMEMORATION ODE READ AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL IN A COPY OF OMAR KHAYYAM by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL IN THE TWILIGHT by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL LINES; SUGGESTED BY GRAVES TWO ENGLISH SOLDIERS ON CONCORD by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL MY LOVE by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL ON BOARD THE '76; WRITTEN FOR BRYANT'S SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL |
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