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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 14. ON READING WORDSWORTH'S SONNETS .. by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS THE BROAD OCEAN ENDLESSLY UPHEAVETH
Last Line: AND FEEL GOD FLOW FOREVER THROUGH HIS BREAST.
Subject(s): CAPITAL PUNISHMENT; POETRY & POETS; WORDSWORTH, WILLIAM (1770-1850); HANGING; EXECUTIONS; DEATH PENALTY;

As the broad ocean endlessly upheaveth,
With the majestic beating of his heart,
The mighty tides, whereof its rightful part
Each sea-wide bay and little weed receiveth, --
So, through his soul who earnestly believeth,
Life from the universal Heart doth flow,
Whereby some conquest of the eternal Woe,
By instinct of God's nature, he achieveth:
A fuller pulse of this all-powerful beauty
Into the poet's gulf-like heart doth tide,
And he more keenly feels the glorious duty
Of serving Truth, despised and crucified, --
Happy, unknowing sect or creed, to rest,
And feel God flow forever through his breast.



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