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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TRAVAIL OF PASSION by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN THE FLAMING LUTE-THRONGED ANGELIC DOOR IS WIDE
Last Line: LILIES OF DEATH-PALE HOPE, ROSES OF PASSIONATE DREAM.
Subject(s): PASSION;

When the flaming lute-thronged angelic door is wide;
When an immortal passion breathes in mortal clay;
Our hearts endure the scourge, the plaited thorns, the way
Crowded with bitter faces, the wounds in palm and side,
The hyssop-heavy sponge, the flowers by Kidron stream;
We will bend down and loosen our hair over you,
That it may drop faint perfume, and be heavy with dew,
Lilies of death-pale hope, roses of passionate dream.



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