Shelley, Dedication of Laon and Cynthia

[porphyry]

Is it, that now my inexperienced fingers
But strike the prelude of a loftier strain?
Or, must the lyre on which my spirit lingers
Soon pause in silence, ne'er to sound again,
Though it might shake the Anarch Custom's reign,
And charm the minds of men to Truth's own sway
Holier than was Amphion's? I would fain
Reply in hope--but I am worn away,
And Death and Love are yet contending for their prey.

Comments

[daoinesidh.livejournal.com]

I love the last part of this stanza ... it sums up life quite beautifully, I think.

[malkhos.livejournal.com]

I quite agree. The image comes form the Song Of Solomon and goes back further to the poetry of the Canaanite city of Ugarit. But that is only one of its significances.

[daoinesidh.livejournal.com]

I love all those many-layered connections to older literature, and one could argue ancient archetypes, that pop up in the works of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century poets. I know for some it's a bit annoying, but I find it to be truly delightful. :)

I must visit a work by Shelley soon for one of my daily poetry readings! :)

[malkhos.livejournal.com]

Do you know The Witch of Atlas? That is my favorite long poem of him--so comparable to Lamia, but at the same so diametrically opposed to it.

[daoinesidh.livejournal.com]

I have not read that poem - although glancing at it just now, I do recognize some lines, which I probably encountered as little quoted bits in some text at university. What I have peeked at is beautiful! I will delve into it soon for one of my daily poetry readings ... thanks!! :)