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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


UNDERWOODS: BOOK 1: 22. THE CELESTIAL SURGEON by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF I HAVE FALTERED MORE OR LESS
Last Line: AND TO MY DEAD HEART RUN THEM IN!
Subject(s): APATHY; RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

If I have faltered more or less
In my great task of happiness;
If I have moved among my race
And shown no glorious morning face;
If beams from happy human eyes
Have moved me not; if morning skies,
Books, and my food, and summer rain
Knocked on my sullen heart in vain:
Lord, thy most pointed pleasure take
And stab my spirit broad awake;
Or, Lord, if too obdurate I,
Choose thou, before that spirit die,
A piercing pain, a killing sin,
And to my dead heart run them in!




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