Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A PORTRAIT IN DELIA'S PARLOR, by ROBERT SOUTHEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A PORTRAIT IN DELIA'S PARLOR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I would I were that portly gentleman
Last Line: With gold-laced hat and golden-headed cane.
Variant Title(s): Sonnets Of Abel Shufflebottom: 4. .. Feelings Respecting A Portrait...
Subject(s): Desire; Envy; Love; Man-woman Relationships; Paintings And Painters; Poetry & Poets; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Male-female Relations


I WOULD I were that portly [or, reverend] gentleman,
With gold-laced hat and golden-headed cane,
Who hangs in Delia's parlour! For whene'er
From books or needlework her looks arise,
On him CONVERGE THE SUNBEAMS OF HER EYES,
And he UNBLAMED may gaze upon MY FAIR,
And oft MY FAIR his FAVOURED form surveys.
O HAPPY PICTURE! still on HER to gaze!
I envy him! and jealous fear alarms,
Lest the STRONG glance of those divinest charms
WARM HIM TO LIFE, as in the ancient days,
When MARBLE MELTED in Pygmalion's arms.
I would I were that portly gentleman
With gold-laced hat and golden-headed cane.





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