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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET WRITTEN UPON OCCASION OF THE PLAGUE by ALEXANDER POPE

Poet Analysis

First Line: FAIR MIRROUR OF FOUL TIMES! WHOSE FRAGILE SHEENE
Last Line: HE SENT HIM WAR, OR PLAGUE, OR FAMINE SORE.
Subject(s): PLAGUE;

(AND FOUND ON A GLASS-WINDOW AT CHALFONT)

(IN IMITATION OF MILTON)

Fair Mirrour of foul Times! whose fragile Sheene
Shall as it blazeth, break; while Providence
(Aye watching o'er his Saints with Eye unseen,)
Spreads the red Rod of angry Pestilence,
To sweep the wicked and their Counsels hence;
Yea all to break the Pride of lustful Kings,
Who Heaven's Lore reject for brutish Sense;
As erst he scourg'd Gessides' Sin of yore
For the fair Hittite, when on Seraph's Wings
He sent him War, or Plague, or Famine sore.



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