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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ARCHITECTURAL MASKS by THOMAS HARDY

Poet Analysis

First Line: THERE IS A HOUSE WITH IVIED WALLS
Last Line: YOU VULGAR PEOPLE THERE.'
Subject(s): HOUSES;
I

THERE is a house with ivied walls,
And mullioned windows worn and old,
And the long dwellers in those halls
Have souls that know but sordid calls,
And daily dote on gold.

II

In blazing brick and plated show
Not far away a 'villa' gleams,
And here a family few may know,
With book and pencil, viol and bow,
Lead inner lives of dreams.

III

The philosophic passers say,
'See that old mansion mossed and fair,
Poetic souls therein are they:
And O that gaudy box! Away,
You vulgar people there.'



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