Classic and Contemporary Poetry
APPLAUSE, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hold it one of the sad certain laws Last Line: The plaudits of the world turn into sneers. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Applause; Fame; Fear; Reputation | ||||||||
I hold it one of the sad certain laws Which makes our failures sometimes seem more kind Than that success which brings sure loss behind -- True greatness dies, when sounds the world's applause Fame blights the object it would bless, because Weighed down with men's expectancy, the mind Can no more soar to those far heights, and find That freedom which its inspiration was. When once we listen to its noisy cheers Or hear the populace' approval, then We catch no more the music of the spheres, Or walk with gods, and angels, but with men. Till, impotent from our self-conscious fears, The plaudits of the world turn into sneers. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THEM AND US by LUCILLE CLIFTON A MAN TO A WOMAN by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS DEATH AND FAME by ALLEN GINSBERG EARTH'S IMMORTALITIES: FAME by ROBERT BROWNING STANZAS WRITTEN ON THE ROAD BETWEEN FLORENCE AND PISA by GEORGE GORDON BYRON |
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