Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE FATAL PRAYER by WILLIAM WATSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: I VANQUISH,' SAID THE YOUTHFUL KING
Last Line: WORN BY THE BLIND ALONE.
Subject(s): COURTS & COURTIERS; PRAYER;

"I VANQUISH," said the youthful King,
"My foes on every field;
Yet, ye strong Gods, to one vain thing
How helplessly I yield!

"Behold me fall'n a slave each hour
To some dark long-lashed eye!
Oh, grant me, Kings of Heaven, the power
@3That@1 sorcery to defy."

They heard; and from their ruthless height
The dreadful gift was thrown --
The armour against Beauty's might
Worn by the blind alone.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net