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1807–1882

SONNETS

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Like two cathedral towers these stately pines Uplift their fretted summits tipped with cones; The arch beneath them is not built with stones, Not Art but Nature traced these lovely lines,

And carved this graceful arabesque of vines; No organ but the wind here sighs and moans, No sepulchre conceals a martyr's bones. No marble bishop on his tomb reclines.

Enter! the pavement, carpeted with leaves, Gives back a softened echo to thy tread! Listen! the choir is singing; all the birds, In leafy galleries beneath the eaves,

Are singing! listen, ere the sound be fled, And learn there may be worship with out words.

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SONNETS · Henry Wadsworth Longfellow · Poetry Cove