Skip to content
1858–1941

ACTEA

Rennell Rodd

When the last bitterness was past, she bore Her singing Caesar to the Garden Hill, Her fallen pitiful dead emperor. She lifted up the beggar's cloak he wore

— The one thing living he would not kill — And on those lips of his that sang no more, That world-loathed head which she found lovely still, Her cold lips closed, in death she had her will.

Oh wreck of the lost human soul left free To gorge the beast thy mask of manhood screened! Because one living thing, albeit a slave, Shed those hot tears on thy dishonoured grave,

Although thy curse be as the shoreless sea, Because she loved, thou art not wholly fiend.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
ACTEA · Rennell Rodd · Poetry Cove