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1837–1909

A LAST LOOK

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sick of self-love, Malvolio, like an owl That hoots the sun rerisen where starlight sank, With German garters crossed athwart thy frank Stout Scottish legs, men watched thee snarl and scowl,

And boys responsive with reverberate howl Shrilled, hearing how to thee the springtime stank And as thine own soul all the world smelt rank And as thine own thoughts Liberty seemed foul.

Now, for all ill thoughts nursed and ill words given Not all condemned, not utterly forgiven, Son of the storm and darkness, pass in peace. Peace upon earth thou knewest not: now, being dead,

Rest, with nor curse nor blessing on thine head, Where high-strung hate and strenuous envy cease.

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A LAST LOOK · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove