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1837–1909

CLEOPATRA

Algernon Charles Swinburne

“Her beauty might outface the jealous hours, Turn shame to love and pain to a tender sleep, And the strong nerve of hate to sloth and tears; Make spring rebellious in the sides of frost,

Thrust out lank winter with hot August growths, Compel sweet blood into the husks of death, And from strange beasts enforce harsh courtesy.”

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CLEOPATRA · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove