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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students
Poetry Library

— Stephen Crane

I stood upon a high place,

And saw, below, many devils

Running, leaping,

And carousing in sin.

…

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noun

A person whose profession is acting on the stage, in films, or on television.

“The lead actor delivered a powerful performance that moved the entire audience to tears.”

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A Farewell to the World

36 lines
Ben Jonson·1572–1637
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ALSE world, good night! since thou hast brought That hour upon my morn of age;Henceforth I quit thee from my thought, My part is ended on thy stage. Yes, threaten, do. Alas! I fear As little as I hope from thee:I know thou canst not show nor bear More hatred than thou hast to me. My tender, first, and simple years Thou didst abuse and then betray;Since stir'd'st up jealousies and fears, When all the causes were away. Then in a soil hast planted me Where breathe the basest of thy fools;Where envious arts professed be, And pride and ignorance the schools; Where nothing is examined, weigh'd, But as 'tis rumour'd, so believed;Where every freedom is betray'd, And every goodness tax'd or grieved. But what we're born for, we must bear: Our frail condition it is suchThat what to all may happen here, If 't chance to me, I must not grutch. Else I my state should much mistake To harbour a divided thoughtFrom all my kind--that, for my sake, There should a miracle be wrought. No, I do know that I was born To age, misfortune, sickness, grief:But I will bear these with that scorn As shall not need thy false relief. Nor for my peace will I go far, As wanderers do, that still do roam;But make my strengths, such as they are, Here in my bosom, and at home.
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