Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON GOLD, by PHILIP AYRES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON GOLD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This glitt'ring metal, dazzler of the eyes
Last Line: The more we drink of thee, the more we thirst.
Subject(s): Gold; Greed; Avarice; Cupidity


THIS glitt'ring metal, dazzler of the eyes,
In so small bulk, where so much mischief lies,
Disclaims the earth, when it has pass'd the fire,
And then no longer owns the rock for sire.

When coin'd, it boasts of pow'r omnipotent;
Which monstrous birth the long-scorn'd mountains sent:
'Tis bane of peace, 'tis nourisher of war;
And o'er the world does spread its venom far.

With confidence this bold usurper can
Hold competition with its former, man:
Man whose sublimer soul should upward soar,
Yet for a god can his own works adore.

Laws are remiss when thou the pow'r dost git,
All vices thou unpunish'd dost permit;
Torrent of mischiefs, source of ills the worst!
The more we drink of thee, the more we thirst.





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