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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: CHASE HENRY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN LIFE I WAS THE TOWN DRUNKARD
Last Line: WHICH BRING HONOR TO THE DEAD, WHO LIVED IN SHAME.
IN life I was the town drunkard;
When I died the priest denied me burial
In holy ground.
The which redounded to my good fortune.
For the Protestants bought this lot,
And buried my body here,
Close to the grave of the banker Nicholas,
And of his wife Priscilla.
Take note, ye prudent and pious souls,
Of the cross-currents in life
Which bring honor to the dead, who lived in shame.



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