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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SARDANAPALUS by HENRY HOWARD

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE ASSYRIAN KING - IN PEACE, WITH FOUL DESIRE
Last Line: MURDERED HIMSELF, TO SHOW SOME MANFUL DEED.
Subject(s): HENRY VIII, KING OF ENGLAND (1491-1547); MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL; SARDANAPALUS (7TH CENTURY B.C.); SUICIDE;
The Assyrian King in peace, with foul desire
And filthy lusts, that stained his regal heart
In war that should set princely hearts on fire:
Did yield, vanquished for want of martial art.
The dint of swords from kisses seemed strange:
And harder, than his lady's side, his targe:
From glutton feasts, to soldier's fare a change:
His helmet, far above a garland's charge.
Who scarce the name of manhood did retain,
Drenched in sloth, and womanish delight,
Feeble of spirit, impatient of pain:
When he had lost his honour, and his right:
Proud, time of wealth, in storms appalled with dread,
Murdered himself, to show some manful deed.



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