Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MASQUE OF ALFRED: SONG. TO ALFRED by JAMES THOMSON (1700-1748)

Poet Analysis

First Line: HEAR, ALFRED, FATHER OF THE STATE
Last Line: EARTH CALLS, AND HEAVEN INSPIRES.

FIRST SPIRIT.

Hear, Alfred, father of the state,
Thy genius Heaven's high will declare!
What proves the hero truly great,
Is never, never to despair:
Is never to despair.

SECOND SPIRIT.

Thy hope awake, thy heart expand,
With all its vigour, all its fires.
Arise! and save a sinking land!
Thy country calls, and Heaven inspires.

BOTH SPIRITS.

Earth calls, and Heaven inspires.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net