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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ODE WRITTEN IN [THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR] 1746 by WILLIAM COLLINS (1721-1759)

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW SLEEP THE BRAVE, WHO SINK TO REST
Last Line: TO DWELL A WEEPING HERMIT THERE!
Subject(s): ENGLAND; FREEDOM; HEROISM; HOLIDAYS; MEMORIAL DAY; PEACE; SOLDIERS; ENGLISH; LIBERTY; HEROES; HEROINES; DECLARATION DAY;

How sleep the brave who sink to rest
By all their country's wishes blest!
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck their hallowed mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.

By fairy hands their kneel is rung
By forms unseen their dirge is sung;
There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And Freedom shall awhile repair,
To dwell a weeping hermit there!



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