Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE OLD WORLD MOANS AND TOPES, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE OLD WORLD MOANS AND TOPES, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
Last Line: Or tell us what they are
Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour
Subject(s): Social Commentaries


The old world moans and topes,
Is restless and ill at ease;
And the old-world politicians
Prescribe for the new disease.

I have stooped my head to listen
(Its voice is far from strong)[1]
For the burthen of its moanings
As it topes all night long.

I have watched a patient vigil
Beside its fever bed,
And I think that I can tell you
The burthen of what it said:''"

"As sick folk long for morning
And long for night again,
So long for noble objects
The hearts of noble men.

"They long and grope about them,
With feverish hands they grope
For objects of endeavour,
And exercise for hope.

"And they shall be our heroes
And be our Avatar,
Who shall either reach the objects
Or tell us what they are."





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