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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE WORLD IN ARMOUR: 3 by WILLIAM WATSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: A MOMENT'S FANTASY, THE VISION CAME
Last Line: PILING THE FAGOTS, HOUR BY DOOMFUL HOUR.
Subject(s): WAR;

A moment's fantasy, the vision came
Of Europe dipped in fiery death, and so
Mounting re-born, with vestal limbs aglow,
Splendid and fragrant from her bath of flame.
It fleeted; and a phantom without name,
Sightless, dismembered, terrible, said: "Lo,
@3I@1 am that ravished Europe men shall know
After the morn of blood and night of shame."

The spectre passed, and I beheld alone
The Europe of the present, as she stands,
Powerless from terror of her own vast power,
'Neath novel stars, beside a brink unknown;
And round her the sad Kings, with sleepless hands,
Piling the fagots, hour by doomful hour.



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