Classic and Contemporary Poetry
DENNER'S OLD WOMAN, by VINCENT BOURNE Poet's Biography First Line: In this mimic form of a matron in years Last Line: Since apelles not more for his venus obtained! Subject(s): Old Age; Paintings & Painters; Women | ||||||||
IN this mimic form of a matron in years, How plainly the pencil of Denner appears! The matron herself, in whose old age we see Not a trace of decline, what a wonder is she! No dimness of eye, and no cheek hanging low, No wrinkle, or deep-furrowed frown on the brow! Her forehead indeed is here circled around With locks like the riband with which they are bound; While glossy and smooth, and as soft as the skin Of a delicate peach, is the down of her chin; But nothing unpleasant, or sad, or severe, Or that indicates life in its winter, is here. Yet all is expressed, with fidelity due, Nor a pimple or freckle concealed from the view. Many, fond of new sights, or who cherish a taste For the labours of art, to the spectacle haste; The youths all agree, that could old age inspire The passion of love, hers would kindle the fire, And the matrons with pleasure confess that they see Ridiculous nothing or hideous in thee. The nymphs for themselves scarcely hope a decline, O wonderful woman! as placid as thine. Strange magic of art! which the youth can engage To peruse, half-enamoured, the features of age; And force from the virgin a sigh of despair, That she, when as old, shall be equally fair! How great is the glory that Denner has gained, Since Apelles not more for his Venus obtained! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ARISTOTLE TO PHYLLIS by JOHN HOLLANDER A WOMAN'S DELUSION by SUSAN HOWE JULIA TUTWILER STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN by ANDREW HUDGINS THE WOMEN ON CYTHAERON by ROBINSON JEFFERS TOMORROW by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD LADIES FOR DINNER, SAIPAN by KENNETH KOCH GOODBYE TO TOLERANCE by DENISE LEVERTOV A MANUAL MORE ANCIENT THAT THE ART OF PRINTING ... by VINCENT BOURNE |
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