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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN THE QUIET AND SOLEMN NIGHT by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL

Poet Analysis

Last Line: Bids startled virtue own its power!
Subject(s): NIGHT; DANGER;
In the quiet and solemn night,
When the moon is silvery bright,
Then the screech owl's eerie cry
Mocks the beauties of the sky:
Tu whit, tu whoo,
Its wild halloo
Doth read a drowsy homily.

From yon old castle's chimneys tall,
The bat on leathern sail doth fall
In wanton-wise to skim the earth,
And flout the mouse that gave it birth.
Tu whit, tu whoo,
That wild halloo
Hath marred the little monster's mirth.

Fond lovers seek the dewy vale,
That swimmeth in the moonshine pale ;
But maids ! beware, when in your ear
The screech-owl screams so loud and clear:
Tu whit, tu whoo,
Its wild halloo
Doth speak of danger lurking near.

It bids beware of murmured sigh,
Of air-spun oath and wistful eye;
Of star that winks to conscious flower
Through the roof of leaf-clad bower :
Tu whit, tu whoo,
That wild halloo
Bids startled virtue own its power!



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