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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON SEEING A YOUTH AFFECTIONATELY WELCOMED BY A SISTER by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE

Poet Analysis

First Line: I TOO A SISTER HAD! TOO CRUEL DEATH
Last Line: FOR LIFE WAS MISERY, AND THE GRAVE IS PEACE!

I too a sister had! too cruel Death!
How sad remembrance bids my bosom heave!
Tranquil her soul, as sleeping Infant's breath;
Meek were her manners as a vernal Eve.
Knowledge, that frequent lifts the bloated mind,
Gave her the treasure of a lowly breast,
And Wit, to venom'd Malice oft assign'd,
Dwelt in her bosom in a Turtle's nest.
Cease, busy Memory! cease to urge the dart;
Nor on my soul her love to me impress!
For oh I mourn in anguish -- and my heart
Feels the keen pang, th' unutterable distress.
Yet wherefore grieve I that her sorrows cease,
For Life was misery, and the Grave is Peace!



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