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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN DAYS OF YORE, TIS SAID, THE SWIMMING ALDER by HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Poet Analysis

Last Line: Suffice to cross the purling wave and gain the destin'd port?
Subject(s): TREES; SEA;
In days of yore, 'tis said, the swimming alder
Fashioned rude, withbranches lopped and stript of its smooth coat,
Where fallen tree was notand rippling stream's vast breadth
Forbade adventurous leap, the brawny swain did bear
Secure to farthest shore.
The book has passed away, and with the book the lay,
Which in myyouthful days I loved to ponder.
Of curious things it told, how wisemen three of Gotham
In bowl did venture out to sea,
And darkly hintstheir awful fate.
If men have dared the main to tempt in such frail barks,
Why may notwash-tub round or bread-trough square oblong,
Suffice to cross thepurling wave and gain the destin'd port?



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