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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LINES WRITTEN FOR THE POEM TO WILLIAM SHELLEY by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE WORLD IS NOW OUR DWELLING-PLACE
Last Line: TO HALLOW
Subject(s): SHELLEY, WILLIAM (1816-1819);
I

THE world is now our dwelling-place;
Where'er the earth one fading trace
Of what was great and free does keep,
That is our home!
Mild thoughts of man's ungentle race
Shall our contented exile reap;
For who that in some happy place
His own free thoughts can freely chase
By woods and waves can clothe his face
In cynic smiles? Child! we shall weep

II

This lament,
The memory of thy grievous wrong
Will fade
But genius is Omnipotent
To hallow



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