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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ROUNDEL by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: A ROUNDEL IS WROUGHT AS A RING OR A STAR-BRIGHT SPHERE
Last Line: A ROUNDEL IS WROUGHT.
Subject(s): MUSIC & MUSICIANS; ROUNDELS;

A ROUNDEL is wrought as a ring or a star-bright
sphere,
With craft of delight and with cunning of sound unsought,
That the heart of the hearer may smile if to pleasure his ear
A roundel is wrought.

Its jewel of music is carven of all or of aught --
Love, laughter or mourning -- remembrance of rapture or fear --
That fancy may fashion to hang in the ear of thought.

As a bird's quick song runs round, and the hearts in us hear
Pause answer to pause, and again the same strain caught,
So moves the device whence, round as a pearl or tear,
A roundel is wrought.



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