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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON AN ANNULAR ECLIPSE OF THE SUN IN A STORM by CHARLES TENNYSON TURNER

First Line: TO-MORROW IS THE GREAT ECLIPSE,' WE SAID
Last Line: OR GUIDE THE BOATMAN ON YON STORMY MERE.'
Subject(s): ECLIPSES;

'To-morrow is the great Eclipse', we said:
'The moon shall be an island in the sun!'
Though, when we came to gaze, the rack went on
Tumultuously, and all our hopes betrayed;
But, where the scud ran thinner, we perceived
Hustling along, a strange-compounded form,
Half glitter and half gloom - the sun aggrieved,
And the black moon, confederate with the storm
Against mankind. My next thought brought me ease:
Methought, 'A segment of yon hard dark sphere
Shall borrow light for us, and reappear,
Friendly as Hesper, - and, i' th' evening breeze,
Wander and flash behind the dusking trees,
Or guide the boatman on yon stormy mere.'



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