The Handsome Heart

Portrait of Gerard Manley Hopkins
Gerard Manley Hopkins 1844–1889

at a Gracious Answer

'But tell me, child, your choice; what shall I buy You?'—'Father, what you buy me I like best.' With the sweetest air that said, still plied and pressed, He swung to his first poised purport of reply.

What the heart is! which, like carriers let fly— Doff darkness, homing nature knows the rest— To its own fine function, wild and self-instressed, Falls light as ten years long taught how to and why.

Mannerly-hearted! more than handsome face— Beauty's bearing or muse of mounting vein, All, in this case, bathed in high hallowing grace...

Of heaven what boon to buy you, boy, or gain Not granted?—Only ... O on that path you pace Run all your race, O brace sterner that strain!

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Wyatt32 words
  1. Wyatt United States

    How does the poem of Gerard Manley Hopkins relate to its time period (late VIctorianism)? what is it all about?? i need help analyzing the poem to late victorianism and the meaning

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