YE sacred Nurseries of blooming Youth! In whose collegiate shelter England's Flowers Expand, enjoying through their vernal hours The air of liberty, the light of truth; Much have ye suffered from Time's gnawing tooth: Yet, O ye spires of Oxford! domes and towers! Gardens and groves! your presence overpowers The soberness of reason; till, in sooth, Transformed, and rushing on a bold exchange, I slight my own beloved Cam, to range Where silver Isis leads my stripling feet; Pace the long avenue, or glide adown The stream-like windings of that glorious street -- An eager Novice robed in fluttering gown! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE AMERICAN FLAG by JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE CHRISTMAS CAROL by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR IN THE VALLEY OF THE ELWY by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS THE BATTLE-CRY OF FREEDOM by GEORGE FREDERICK ROOT INTROSPECTION by GEORGE ARNOLD RARE DESTINY by FLORA LOUISE BAILEY ALFARABI; THE WORLD-MAKER. A RHAPSODICAL FRAGMENT by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |