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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BALLADE by JOHN WOLCOTT

Poet Analysis

First Line: COULDST THOU LOOK INTO MINE HEART
Last Line: BANISH SPECTRE FORMS AWAY.
Subject(s): HAUNTED HOUSES; IMAGINATION; FANCY;

Couldst thou look into mine heart,
Thou wouldst see a mansion drear;
Some old haunted tower apart,
Where the spectre bands appear;
Sighing, gliding, ghostly forms,
'Mid the ruin shook by storms.

Yet my heart, which Love doth slight,
Was a palace passing fair;
Which did not hold thine image bright,
Thee the queen of beauty rare;
Which the laughing pleasures filled,
And hair Fortune's sun did gild.

When shall my poor heart, alas,
Pleasure's palace be again?
That, sweet made, may come to pass,
When thou ceasest thy disdain:
For thy smiles, like beams of day,
Banish spectre forms away.



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