SELECTIONS IN ENGLISH POETRY

Across me: never child be born of me, 250

Unblest, to vex me with his father's eyes!

4O mother, hear me yet before I die.
Hear me, O earth. I will not die alone,
Lest their shrill happy laughter come to me
Walking the cold and starless road of Death 255

Uncomforted, leaving my ancient love
With the Greek woman. I will rise and go
Down into Troy, and ere the stars come forth
Talk with the wild Cassandra, for she says
A fire dances before her and a sound
Rings ever in her ears of armed men.
What this may be I know not, but I know
That, wheresoever I am by night and day,
All earth and air seem only burning fire."

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