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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE HANDSOME HEART: AT A GRACIOUS ANSWER (VERSION A) by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS

Poet Analysis

First Line: BUT TELL ME, CHILD, YOUR CHOICE; WHAT SHALL I BUY
Last Line: RUN ALL YOUR RACE, O BRACE STERNER THAT STRAIN!

'BUT tell me, child, your choice; what shall I buy
You?' -- 'Father, what you buy me I like best.'
With the sweetest air that said, still plied and pressed,
He swung to his first poised purport of reply.

What the heart is! which, like carriers let fly --
Doff darkness, homing nature knows the rest --
To its own fine function, wild and self-instressed,
Falls light as ten years long taught how to and why.

Mannerly-hearted! more than handsome face --
Beauty's bearing or muse of mounting vein,
All, in this case, bathed in high hallowing grace...

Of heaven what boon to buy you, boy, or gain
Not granted? -- Only ... O on that path you pace
Run all your race, O brace sterner that strain!




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