To Dorothy Wellesley
To Dorothy Wellesley - meaning Summary
Night Summons Literary Phantoms
The speaker addresses Dorothy Wellesley in a nocturnal scene where reaching into moonless trees summons a charged silence and imagined presences. In a book-lined chamber, ordinary concerns are absent; instead literary phantoms—ancient authors misrepresented and proud Furies—rise like a haunting inspiration. The poem contrasts domestic quiet and sleep with an urgent, almost mystical assembly of artistic forces demanding attention.
Read Complete AnalysesStretch towards the moonless midnight of the trees, As though that hand could reach to where they stand, And they but famous old upholsteries Delightful to the touch; tighten that hand As though to draw them closer yet. Rammed full Of that most sensuous silence of the night (For since the horizon's bought strange dogs are still) Climb to your chamber full of books and wait, No books upon the knee, and no one there But a Great Dane that cannot bay the moon And now lies sunk in sleep. What climbs the stair? Nothing that common women ponder on If you are worrh my hope! Neither Content Nor satisfied Conscience, but that great family Some ancient famous authors mistepresent, The proud Furies each with her torch on high.
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