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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET ON TYRE: 1 by MARY HOWITT

First Line: IN THOUGHT I SAW THE PALACE DOMES OF TYRE
Last Line: OF STRENGTH AND BEAUTY, WASTE AND WOE DEFIED.

In thought I saw the palace domes of Tyre:
The gorgeous treasures of her merchandize;
All her proud people in their brave attire,
Thronging her streets for sport or sacrifice.
I saw her precious stones and spiceries;
The singing-girl, with flower-wreathed instrument;
And slaves whose beauty ask'd a monarch's price:
Forth from all lands all nations to her went,
And kings to her on embassy were sent.
I saw with gilded prow and silken sail,
Her ships that of the sea had government.
O gallant ships, 'gainst you what might prevail!
She stood upon her rock, and in her pride
Of strength and beauty, waste and woe defied.



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