Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson was an American poet who won three Pulitzer Prizes for his work. His poetry, often dealing with themes of personal failure and tragic lives, was very popular in the early 20th century. Notable works include 'Richard Cory' and 'Miniver Cheevy'. Despite his personal struggles, he wrote prolifically and was praised by many of his contemporaries.

December 22, 1869

April 6, 1935

English

Miniver Cheevy

Miniver Cheevy, child of scorn,
    Grew lean while he assailed the seasons;
He wept that he was ever born,
    And he had reasons.

Miniver loved the days of old
    When swords were bright and steeds were prancing;
The vision of a warrior bold
    Would set him dancing.

Miniver sighed for what was not,
    And dreamed and rested from his labors;
He dreamed of Thebes and Camelot
    And Priam's neighbors.

Miniver mourned the ripe renown
    That made so many a name so fragrant;
He mourned Romance, now on the town,
    And Art, a vagrant.

Miniver loved the Medici,
    Albeit he had never seen one;
He would have sinned incessantly
    Could he have been one.

Miniver cursed the commonplace,
    And eyed a kha...

Edwin Arlington Robinson

Two Men

There be two men of all mankind
    That I should like to know about;
But search and question where I will,
    I cannot ever find them out.

Melchizedek he praised the Lord,
    And gave some wine to Abraham;
But who can tell what else he did
    Must be more learned than I am.

Ucalegon he lost his house
    When Agamemnon came to Troy;
But who can tell me who he was -
    I'll pray the gods to give him joy.

There be two men of all mankind
    That I'm forever thinking on;
They chase me everywhere I go, -
    Melchizedek, Ucalegon.

        Edwin Arlington Robinson.

Edwin Arlington Robinson