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A PETITION by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: TO SPRING BELONGS THE VIOLET, AND THE BLOWN
Last Line: I BEG YOU VERY GENTLY BREAK THE NEWS.
Subject(s): AGING;

To spring belongs the violet, and the blown
Spice of the roses let the summer own.
Grant me this favor, Muse -- all else with-hold --
That I may not write verse when I am old.

And yet I pray you, Muse, delay the time!
Be not too ready to deny me rhyme;
And when the hour strikes, as it must, dear Muse,
I beg you very gently break the news.



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