Skip to content
1828–1882

‘ RETRO ME, SATHANA!’

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Get thee behind me. Even as, heavy-curled, Stooping against the wind, a charioteer Is snatched from out his chariot by the hair, So shall Time be; and as the void car, hurled

Abroad by reinless steeds, even so the world: Yea, even as chariot-dust upon the air, It shall be sought and not found anywhere. Get thee behind me, Satan. Oft unfurled,

Thy perilous wings can beat and break like lath Much mightiness of men to win thee praise. Leave these weak feet to tread in narrow ways. Thou still, upon the broad vine-sheltered path,

Mayst wait the turning of the phials of wrath For certain years, for certain months and days.

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.
‘ RETRO ME, SATHANA!’ · Dante Gabriel Rossetti · Poetry Cove