Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEAD, MY LORDS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEAD, MY LORDS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dead, my lords and gentlemen!
Last Line: Dead, my lords and gentlemen!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Death; Life; Praise; Dead, The


DEAD, my lords and gentlemen! --
Stilled the tongue, and stayed the pen;
Cheek unflushed and eye unlit --
Done with life, and glad of it.

Curb your praises now as then:
Dead, my lords and gentlemen. --
What he wrought found its reward
In the tolerance of the Lord.

Ye who fain had barred his path,
Dread ye now this look he hath? --
Dead, my lords and gentlemen --
Dare ye not smile back again?

Low he lies, yet high and great
Looms he, lying thus in state. --
How exalted o'er ye when
Dead, my lords and gentlemen!





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