Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SONNET: POLAND, by ALFRED TENNYSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How long, o god, shall men be ridden down Last Line: A matter to be wept with tears of blood! Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron Subject(s): Freedom; Poland; Liberty | ||||||||
How long, O God, shall men be ridden down, And trampled under by the last and least Of men? The heart of Poland hath not ceased To quiver, tho' her sacred blood doth drown The fields, and out of every smouldering town Cries to Thee, lest brute Power be increased, Till that o'ergrown Barbarian in the East Transgress his ample bound to some new crown, -- Cries to Thee, 'Lord, how long shall these things be? How long this icy-hearted Muscovite Oppress the region?' Us, O Just and Good, Forgive, who smiled when she was torn in three; Us, who stand now, when we should aid the right -- A matter to be wept with tears of blood! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE THE WILD SWAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS AFTER TENNYSON by AMBROSE BIERCE QUARTET IN F MAJOR by WILLIAM MEREDITH CROSS THAT LINE by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE EMANCIPATION by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER A CHARACTER by ALFRED TENNYSON |
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