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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DAY-DREAM: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: YEAR AFTER YEAR UNTO HER FEET
Last Line: A PERFECT FORM IN PERFECT REST.
Subject(s): FAIRY TALES; LOVE;

I

YEAR after year unto her feet,
She lying on her couch alone,
Across the purple coverlet,
The maiden's jet-black hair has grown;
On either side her tranced form
Forth streaming from a braid of pearl;
The slumberous light is rich and warm,
And moves not on the rounded curl.

II

The silk star-broidered coverlid
Unto her limbs itself doth mould,
Languidly ever; and amid
Her full black ringlets, downward rolled,
Glows forth each softly-shadowed arm,
With bracelets of the diamond bright.
Her constant beauty doth inform
Stillness with love, and day with light.

III

She sleeps: her breathings are not heard
In palace chambers far apart.
The fragrant tresses are not stirred
That lie upon her charmed heart.
She sleeps; on either hand upswells
The gold-fringed pillow lightly prest:
She sleeps, nor dreams, but ever dwells
A perfect form in perfect rest.



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