Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TREASURE OF THE WISE MAN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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THE TREASURE OF THE WISE MAN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: O the night was dark and the night was late
Last Line: When the robbers came to rob him.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Night; Treasures; Bedtime


O THE night was dark and the night was late,
And the robbers came to rob him;
And they picked the locks of his palace-gate,
The robbers that came to rob him --
They picked the locks of his palace-gate,
Seized his jewels and gems of state,
His coffers of gold and his priceless plate, --
The robbers that came to rob him.

But loud he laughed he in the morning red! --
For of what had the robbers robbed him? --
Ho! hidden safe, as he slept in bed,
When the robbers came to rob him, --
They robbed him not of a golden shred
Of the childish dreams in his wise old head --
"And they're welcome to all things else," he said,
When the robbers came to rob him.





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