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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PENURY by FRANK WILMOT

First Line: I HAVE THE MOON TO SUPPER, THE MOST GRAVE
Last Line: PLEASURES IT IS MOST USELESS TO DESIRE.

I HAVE the moon to supper, the most grave
Genii of Dreams attend my breakfasting;
And at her gradual approach the Spring,
Bangled and blossomed, bows a naked slave.
The song of larks, the passion of the brave,
The hill-crest and the silence, the slow swing
Of ibises that call upon the wing,
Christ and my visions, all these I may have.
All these, but never priceless Elzevirs,
Dark Indian bowls, blue rugs from Khorassan,
Or Rembrandts of the latent ruby-fire
In homely halls that spurn the wrathful years:
Life is so full of pleasures life must ban,
Pleasures it is most useless to desire.



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