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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONGS OF CAPTIVITY: THE BROTHER'S DIRGE by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN THE PROUD OLD FANES OF ENGLAND
Last Line: THOU, BY THE DARK SEAS BOUND.

In the proud old fanes of England
My warrior fathers lie,
Banners hang drooping o'er their dust
With gorgeous blazonry.
But thou, but @3thou@1, my brother!
O'er thee dark billows sweep --
The best and bravest heart of all
Is shrouded by the deep.

In the old high wars of England
My noble fathers bled;
For her lion-kings of lance and spear,
They went down to the dead.
But thou, but thou, my brother!
@3Thy@1 life-drops flowed for me --
Would I were with thee in thy rest,
Young sleeper of the sea!

In a sheltered home of England
Our sister dwells alone;
With quick heart listening for the sound
Of footsteps that are gone.
She little dreams, my brother!
Of the wild fate we have found;
I, 'midst the Afric sands a slave,
Thou, by the dark seas bound.



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