Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN AN AUCTION ROOM by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW ABOUT THIS LOT? SAID THE AUCTIONEER
Last Line: SOLD FOR EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS -- DOCTOR R.!
Subject(s): AUCTIONS; BRAWNE, FANNY; KEATS, JOHN (1795-1821); LETTERS; POETRY & POETS; ROSENBACH, ABRAHAM SIMON (1876-1952);

(@3Letter of John Keats to Fanny Brawne, Anderson Galleries, March 15, 1920@1.)

To Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach.

@3HOW about this lot?@1 said the auctioneer;
@3One hundred, may I say, just for a start?@1
Between the plum-red curtains, drawn apart,
A written sheet was held.... And strange to hear
(Dealer, would I were steadfast as thou art)
The cold quick bids. (@3Against you in the rear!@1)
The crimson salon, in a glow more clear
Burned bloodlike purple as the poet's heart.

Song that outgrew the singer! Bitter Love
That broke the proud hot heart it held in thrall;
Poor script, where still those tragic passions move --
@3Eight hundred bid: fair warning: the last call:@1
The soul of Adonais, like a star....
@3Sold for eight hundred dollars -- Doctor R.!@1



Home: PoetryExplorer.net