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INSCRIPTION ON A GROTTO OF SHELLS AT CRUX-EASTON by ALEXANDER POPE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE SHUNNING IDLENESS AT ONCE AND PRAISE
Last Line: AND HID IN DESARTS WHAT WOU'D CHARM A COURT.

Here shunning idleness at once and praise
This radiant pile nine rural sisters raise;
The glitt'ring emblem of each spotless dame,
Clear as her soul, and shining as her frame;
Beauty which Nature only can impart,
And such a polish as disgraces Art;
But Fate dispos'd them in this humble sort,
And hid in desarts what wou'd charm a court.



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