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1887–1915

The Hill

Rupert Brooke

Breathless, we flung us on the windy hill, Laughed in the sun, and kissed the lovely grass. You said, “Through glory and ecstasy we pass; Wind, sun, and earth remain, the birds sing still,

When we are old, are old....” “And when we die All's over that is ours; and life burns on Through other lovers, other lips,” said I, — “Heart of my heart, our heaven is now, is won!”

“We are Earth's best, that learnt her lesson here. Life is our cry. We have kept the faith!” we said; “We shall go down with unreluctant tread Rose-crowned into the darkness!”... Proud we were,

And laughed, that had such brave true things to say. — And then you suddenly cried, and turned away.

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The Hill · Rupert Brooke · Poetry Cove