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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SOUTH OF THE POTOMAC by ELINOR WYLIE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: WILD HONEY IN THE HONEY-COMB
Last Line: IMPERIAL AS TYRE.
Subject(s): ANTIQUITIES;
Wild honey in the honey-comb,
And swarms of golden bees,
These are as sumptuous as Rome,
Rich as the Chersonese.

Not Tamburlain's Persepolis
Nor vaulted Ctesiphon
Were jewelled as this serpent is
Which stretches in the sun.

And this red earth beneath my hand,
Which burns my hand like fire,
Is barbarous as Samarcand,
Imperial as Tyre.



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