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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DEDICATIONS AND INSCRIPTIONS: 11. TO EDWARD THOMAS, WITH A PLAY by GORDON BOTTOMLEY

First Line: WITHIN YOUR ROMAN HOUSE
Last Line: LET THEM TO YOURS BE BIDDEN.
Subject(s): THOMAS, EDWARD (1878-1917);

WITHIN your Roman house,
Your white and calm abode,
Your Lares in their niche
(Nereid, nymph, and god)

Accept my alien vows
Of friendship to their friend;
By bronze and marble rich
You worship, yet I send

(I the old koroplast)
Image and figurine
Enamelled with gaudy plumes,
Corinthian, Pergamene.

Keep them until the last
Behind your Lares hidden:
Such mimes were meant for tombs,
Let them to yours be bidden.



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