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1819–1891

The Apparition.

Herman Melville

Convulsions came; and, where the field Long slept in pastoral green, A goblin-mountain was upheaved ( Sure the scared sense was all deceived ),

Marl-glen and slag-ravine. The unreserve of Ill was there, The clinkers in her last retreat; But, ere the eye could take it in,

Or mind could comprehension win, It sunk!— and at our feet. So, then, Solidity's a crust — The core of fire below;

All may go well for many a year, But who can think without a fear Of horrors that happen so?

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The Apparition. · Herman Melville · Poetry Cove