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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A LYKE-WAKE SONG by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: FAIR OF FACE, FULL OF PRIDE
Last Line: NAE MAN KENS IF YE HAVE BEEN.
Subject(s): DEATH; PRIDE; SINGING & SINGERS; DEAD, THE; SELF-ESTEEM; SELF-RESPECT;

FAIR of face, full of pride,
Sit ye down by a dead man's side.

Ye sang songs a' the day:
Sit down at night in the red worm's way.

Proud ye were a' day long:
Ye'll be but lean at evensong.

Ye had gowd kells on your hair:
Nae man kens what ye were.
Ye set scorn by the silken stuff:
Now the grave is clean enough.

Ye set scorn by the rubis ring:
Now the worm is a saft sweet thing.

Fine gold and blithe fair face,
Ye are come to a grimly place.

Gold hair and glad grey een,
Nae man kens if ye have been.



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