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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PAN by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: O WHAT ARE HEROES, PROPHETS, MEN
Last Line: RACES & PLANETS ITS ENCHANTED FOAM.
Subject(s): MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL; PAN (MYTHOLOGY);

O what are heroes prophets men
But pipes through which the breath of Pan doth blow
A momentary music. Being's tide
Swells hitherward & myriads of forms
Live, robed with beauty, painted by the Sun:
Their dust pervaded by the nerves of God
Throbs with an overmastering energy
Knowing & doing. Ebbs the tide, they lie
White hollow shells upon the desart shore.
But not the less the eternal wave rolls on
To animate new millions, & exhale
Races & planets its enchanted foam.



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