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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 76. THE HUSBANDMEN (OLD AND NEW ART) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOUGH GOD, AS ONE THAT IS A HOUSEHOLDER
Last Line: AND HOURS SHALL GIVE A FUTURE TO THEIR PAST?
Subject(s): PAINTINGS AND PAINTERS;

THOUGH God, as one that is an householder,
Called these to labour in his vineyard first,
Before the husk of darkness was well burst
Bidding them grope their way out and bestir,
(Who, questioned of their wages, answered, "Sir,
Unto each man a penny:") though the worst
Burthen of heat was theirs and the dry thirst:
Though God hath since found none such as these were
To do their work like them:--Because of this
Stand not ye idle in the market-place.
Which of ye knoweth he is not that last
Who may be first by faith and will?--yea, his
The hand which after the appointed days
And hours shall give a Future to their Past?



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