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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON A PROHIBITIONIST POEM by GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOUGH SHAKESPEARE'S MERMAID, OCEAN'S MIGHTIEST
Last Line: BUT WATER ON THE BRAIN.
Subject(s): TEMPERANCE; PROHIBITION;
Though Shakespeare's Mermaid, ocean's mightiest daughter,
With vintage could the seas incarnadine:
And Keats's name that was not writ in water
Was often writ in wine;

Though wine that seeks the loftiest habitation
Went to the heads of Villon and Verlaine,
Yet Hiram Hopper needs no inspiration
But water on the brain.



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