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Where corals lie

15 Nov 09 - 07:44 PM (#2766684)
Subject: Where corals lie
From: GUEST,Murilo

Could anyone tell me what does "spry" mean in Richard Garnett's poem
"Where corals lie", set to music by Elgar:
The deeps have music soft and low
When winds awake the airy spry,
It lures me, lures me on to go
And see the land where corals lie.
(...)
"Spry" seems here a noun, I think, not an adjective(=active, nimble).
Thanks for help.
Murilo


15 Nov 09 - 07:55 PM (#2766693)
Subject: RE: Where corals lie
From: Jeri

I don't know the poem or to what/whom he is actually referring, but it probably means those who are spry, like 'the wise' or 'the tired'.


15 Nov 09 - 07:58 PM (#2766696)
Subject: RE: Where corals lie
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

Spry is an alternate spelling for spray. See Oxford English Dictionary.


16 Nov 09 - 12:29 AM (#2766773)
Subject: RE: Where corals lie
From: GUEST,leeneia

Thanks, Q. That makes good sense.


16 Nov 09 - 06:58 AM (#2766869)
Subject: RE: Where corals lie
From: GUEST,Murilo

Thanks, Q. Thanks, Jeri. Thanks, leeneia. I also think spry=spray makes good, or rather, great sense: a fine poetic image.
Murilo