Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: 13, by EDMUND SPENSER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET: 13, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw a woman sitting on a beast
Last Line: Now for a truth great babylon is fallen.
Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin
Subject(s): Babylon; Bible; Prostitution; Religion; Harlots; Whores; Brothels; Theology


I saw a woman sitting on a beast
Before mine eyes, of orange color hue:
Horror and dreadful name of blasphemy
Filled her with pride. And seven heads I saw.
Ten horns also the stately beast did bear.
She seemed with glory of the scarlet fair,
And with fine pearl and gold puffed up in heart.
The wine of whoredom in a cup she bare.
The name or Mystery writ in her face.
The blood of martyrs dear were her delight.
Most fierce and fell this woman seemed to me.
An angel then descending down from Heaven,
With thundering voice cried out aloud, and said,
Now for a truth great Babylon is fallen.





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