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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS ON ENGLISH DRAMATIC POETS: 3. BEN JOHNSON by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: BROAD-BASED, BROAD-FRONTED, BOUNTEOUS, MULTIFORM
Last Line: DARKENING THY SOUL WITH SHADOW OF THUNDEROUS WINGS.
Subject(s): JONSON, BEN (1572-1637); POETRY & POETS;

Broad-based, broad-fronted, bounteous, multiform,
With many a valley impleached with ivy and vine,
Wherein the springs of all the streams run wine,
And many a crag full-faced against the storm,
The mountain where thy Muse's feet made warm
Those lawns that reveled with her dance divine
Shines yet with fire as it was wont to shine
From tossing torches round the dance aswarm.

Nor less, high-stationed on the gray grave heights,
High-thoughted seers with heaven's heart-kindling lights
Hold converse: and the herd of meaner things
Knows or by fiery scourge or by fiery shaft
When wrath on thy broad brows has risen, and laughed
Darkening thy soul with shadow of thunderous wings.



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