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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON LYING IN THE EARL OF ROCHESTER'S BED AT ATTERBURY by ALEXANDER POPE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WITH NO POETICK ARDORS FIR'D
Last Line: WHEN FREEDOM IS MORE DEAR THAN LIFE.
Subject(s): WILMOT, JOHN (1647-1680); ROCHESTER, 2ND EARL OF;
With no poetick ardors fir'd,
I press the bed where Wilmot lay:
That here he lov'd, or here expir'd,
Begets no numbers grave or gay.

But 'neath thy roof, Argyle, are bred
Such thoughts, as prompt the brave to lie,
Stretch'd forth in honour's nobler bed,
Beneath a nobler roof, the sky.

Such flames, as high in patriots burn,
Yet stoop to bless a child or wife:
And such as wicked kings may mourn,
When freedom is more dear than life.



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