The Priceless Thing Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: AA BB CC DD EE FG HH II JJ KK GG LL MM NN OO PP QQ| THOSE are vulgar things we pay for be they stones for crowns of kings | A |
| While the precious and the peerless are unpriced symbolic things | A |
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| Common debts are scored and canceled weighed and measured out for gold | B |
| But the debts from men to ages their account is never told | B |
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| Always see the noblest nations keep their highest prize unknown | C |
| Clueronea's deathless lion frowned above unlettered stone | C |
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| Ah the Greeks knew Come their victors honored from the sacred games | D |
| Under arches red with roses flushed to hear their shouted names | D |
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| See their native cities take them breach the wall to make a gate | E |
| What supreme reward is theirs who bring such honors to their state | E |
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| In the forum stand they proudly take their prizes from the priest | F |
| Little wreaths of pine and parsley on their naked temples pressed | G |
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| We in later days are lower When a manful stroke is made | H |
| We must raise a purse to pay it making manliness a trade | H |
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| Sacrifice itself grows venal surely Midas will subscribe | I |
| And the shallow souls are gratified when worth accepts the bribe | I |
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| But e'en here amidst the markets there are things they dare not prize | J |
| Dollars hide their sordid faces when they meet anointed eyes | J |
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| Lovers do not speak with jewels flowers alone can plead for them | K |
| And one fragrant memory cherished is far dearer than a gem | K |
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| Statesmen steer the nation safely artists pass the burning test | G |
| And their country pays them proudly with a ribbon at the breast | G |
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| When the soldier saves the battle wraps the flag around his heart | L |
| Who shall desecrate his honor with the values of the mart | L |
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| From his guns of bronze we hew a piece and carve it as a cross | M |
| For the gain he gave was priceless as unpriced would be the loss | M |
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| When the poet sings the love song or the song of life and death | N |
| Till the workers cease their toiling with abated wondering breath | N |
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| When he gilds the mill and mine inspires the slave to rise and dare | O |
| Lights with love the cheerless garret bids the tyrant to beware | O |
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| When he steals the pang from poverty with meanings new and clear | P |
| Reconciling pain and peace and bringing blissful visions near | P |
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| His reward Nor cross nor ribbon but all others high above | Q |
| They have won their glittering symbols he has earned the people's love | Q |
John Boyle O'reilly
(1)
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