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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE RAVAGED VILLA by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: IN SHARDS THE SYLVAN VASES LIE
Last Line: MAKES LIME FOR MAMMON'S TOWER.
Subject(s): RUINS;

In shards the sylvan vases lie,
Their links of dance undone,
And brambles wither by thy brim,
Choked fountain of the sun!
The spider in the laurel spins,
The weed exiles the flower:
And, flung to kiln, Apollo's bust
Makes lime for Mammon's tower.



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