Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO MARY WOLSTONECRAFT, by ROBERT SOUTHEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO MARY WOLSTONECRAFT, by             Poem Explanation     Poet's Biography
First Line: The lily cheek, the 'purple light of love'
Last Line: To offer, nor unworthy thy regard.
Subject(s): Godwin, Mary Wollenstonecraft (1759-79); Joan Of Arc (1412-1431); Poetry & Poets; Strength; Victory; Women's Rights; Wollenstone, Mary (1759-79); Feminism


THE lily cheek, the "purple light of love,"
The liquid lustre of the melting eye—
Mary! of these the poet sung, for these
Did woman triumph. With no angry frown
View this degrading conquest! At that age
No Maid of Arc had snatched from coward man
The avenging sword of freedom; woman-kind
Recorded then no Roland's martyrdom;
No Corde's angel and avenging arm
Had sanctified again the murderer's name,
As erst when Cæsar perished: yet some strains
May even adorn this theme, befitting me
To offer, nor unworthy thy regard.





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