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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE: BOOK 1. CANTO 7. PRELUDE. HEAVEN AND EARTH by COVENTRY KERSEY DIGHTON PATMORE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW LONG SHALL MEN DENY THE FLOWER
Last Line: WITH THAT WHICH THEY PROFANED ON EARTH.

How long shall men deny the flower
Because its roots are in the earth,
And crave with tears from God the dower
They have, and have despised as dearth,
And scorn as low their human lot,
With frantic pride, too blind to see
That standing on the head makes not
Either for ease or dignity!
But fools shall feel like fools to find
(Too late inform'd) that angels' mirth
Is one in cause, and mode, and kind
With that which they profaned on earth.



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