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China
- Syracuse University Press
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390 China A long time coming all old ways, she turned Deaf ear to strenuous strangers at her gate, And then in idlewise, as if she spurned The thought that such could vex her ancient state; As if she scorned to say “Begone, depart,” To jugglers mouthing in her thoroughfares, Granted them leave of highway and of mart A beggar’s leave to cry their strumpet wares. But when their clamor pierced her dreaming through, The long thick dreaming of a thousand years, Wits dulled by sleep the bolts of silence drew, Beat down the guard that hedged her ancient fears, Smote blind and large to give her slumbers ease— Straight through her secret ways the tumult pours, Alas! how shall she clear the house of these Since she herself hath beaten down the doors! Editor’s Notes AU 381 ...