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IN THE SHADOWS: 4 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861)

First Line: OH MANY A TIME WITH OVID HAVE I BORNE
Last Line: SPIRIT OF GOD IN MILTON! WAS IT WELL?
Subject(s): MILTON, JOHN (1608-1674); POETRY & POETS;

Oh many a time with Ovid have I borne
My father's vain, yet well-meant reprimand,
To leave the sweet-air'd, clover-purpled land
Of rhyme, -- its Lares loftily forlorn,
With all their pure humanities unworn, --
To batten on the bare Theologies!
To quench a glory lighted at the skies,
Fed on one essence with the silver morn,
Were of all blasphemies the most insane.
So deeplier given to the delicious spell
I clung to thee, heart-soothing Poesy!
Now on a sick-bed rack'd with arrowy pain
I lift white hands of gratitude, and cry,
Spirit of God in Milton! was it well?



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