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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RUBIES by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THEY BROUGHT ME RUBIES FROM THE MINE
Last Line: WHEN SHALL THAT SUN ARISE?

They brought me rubies from the mine,
And held them to the sun;
I said, they are drops of frozen wine
From Eden's vats that run.

I looked again, -- I thought them hearts
Of friends to friends unknown;
Tides that should warm each neighboring life
Are locked in sparkling stone.

But fire to thaw that ruddy snow,
To break enchanted ice,
And give love's scarlet tides to flow, --
When shall that sun arise?



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