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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CAVE OF POPE by ROBERT DODSLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN DARK OBLIVION IN HER SABLE CLOAK
Last Line: BOASTING A RELIC FROM THE CAVE OF POPE.
Subject(s): POPE, ALEXANDER (1688-1744);

When dark oblivion in her sable cloak
Shall wrap the names of heroes and kings;
And their high deeds, submitting to the stroke
Of time, shall fall amongst forgotten things:

Then (for the Muse that distant day can see)
On Thames's bank the stranger shall arrive,
With curious wish thy sacred grott to see,
Thy sacred grott shall with thy name survive.

Then, some small gem, or moss, or shining ore,
Departing, each shall pilfer, in fond hope
To please their friends on every distant shore,
Boasting a relic from the cave of Pope.



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