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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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IMPROMPTU TRANSLATION OF THE SAME.

35 lines
Samuel Johnson·1709–1784
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'er crackling ice, o'er gulfs profound,With nimble glide the skaters play;O'er treach'rous pleasure's flow'ry groundThus lightly skim, and haste away. TO MRS. THRALE,ON HER COMPLETING HER THIRTY-FIFTH YEAR.AN IMPROMPTU. Oft in danger, yet alive,We are come to thirty-five;Long may better years arrive,Better years than thirty-five!Could philosophers contriveLife to stop at thirty-five,Time his hours should never driveO'er the bounds of thirty-five.High to soar, and deep to dive,Nature gives at thirty-five.Ladies, stock and tend your hive,Trifle not at thirty-five;For, howe'er we boast and strive.Life declines from thirty-five.He that ever hopes to thriveMust begin by thirty-five;And all, who wisely wish to wive,Must look on Thrale at thirty-five. IMPROMPTU TRANSLATIONOF AN AIR IN THE CLEMENZA DI TITO OFMETASTASIO,BEGINNING "DEH SE PIACERMI VUOI." Would you hope to gain my heart,Bid your teasing doubts depart;He, who blindly trusts, will findFaith from ev'ry gen'rous mind:He, who still expects deceit,Only teaches how to cheat.
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