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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A DIALOGUE: 2. by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: MAN, WHAT ART THOU TO SPEAK AND PLEAD WITH ME?
Last Line: MAN, WHAT ART THOU?
Subject(s): DEATH; ROUNDELS; DEAD, THE;
Man, what art thou to speak and plead with me?
What knowest thou of my workings, where and how
What things I fashion? Nay, behold and see,
Man, what art thou?
Thy fruits of life, and blossoms of thy bough,
What are they but my seedlings? Earth and sea
Bear nought but when I breathe on it must bow.
Bow thou too down before me: though thou be
Great, all the pride shall fade from off thy brow,
When Time and strong Oblivion ask of thee,
Man, what art thou?



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