Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ART by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN PLACID HOURS WELL-PLEASED WE DREAM
Last Line: TO WRESTLE WITH THE ANGEL -- ART.
Subject(s): ART & ARTISTS; CREATIVE ABILITY; INSPIRATION; CREATIVITY;
In placid hours well-pleased we dream
Of many a brave unboided scheme.
But form to lend, pulsed life create,
What unlike things must meet and mate:
A flame to melt -- a wind to freeze;
Sad patience -- joyous energies;
Humility -- yet pride and scorn;
Instinct and study; love and hate;
Audacity -- reverence. These must mate,
And fuse with Jacob's mystic heart,
To wrestle with the angel -- Art.



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