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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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adjective

Engaged in or ready for action; characterized by energetic work, thought, or speech.

“The students were very active in class discussions, asking many thoughtful questions.”

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ANACREON, ODE NINTH.

45 lines
Samuel Johnson·1709–1784
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ovely courier of the sky!Whence and whither dost thou fly?Scattering, as thy pinions play,Liquid fragrance all the way;Is it business? is it love?Tell me, tell me, gentle dove! Soft Anacreon's vows I bear,Vows to Myrtalè the fair;Graced with all that charms the heart,Blushing nature, smiling art. 10Venus, courted by an ode,On the bard her dove bestow'd:Vested with a master's right,Now Anacreon rules my flight;His the letters that you see,Weighty charge, consign'd to me:Think not yet my service hard,Joyless task without reward;Smiling at my master's gates,Freedom my return awaits; 20But the liberal grant in vainTempts me to be wild again.Can a prudent dove declineBlissful bondage such as mine?Over hills and fields to roam,Fortune's guest without a home;Under leaves to hide one's head,Slightly shelter'd, coarsely fed:Now my better lot bestowsSweet repast, and soft repose: 30Now the generous bowl I sip,As it leaves Anacreon's lip:Void of care and free from dread,From his fingers snatch his bread;Then with luscious plenty gay,Round his chamber dance and play;Or from wine as courage springs,O'er his face extend my wings;And when feast and frolic tire,Drop asleep upon his lyre. 40This is all, be quick and go,More than all thou canst not know;Let me now my pinions ply,I have chatter'd like a pye. * * * * *
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