Skip to content
1837–1909

GEORGE CHAPMAN

Algernon Charles Swinburne

High priest of Homer, not elect in vain, Deep trumpets blow before thee, shawms behind Mix music with the rolling wheels that wind Slow through the labouring triumph of thy train:

Fierce history, molten in thy forging brain, Takes form and fire and fashion from thy mind, Tormented and transmuted out of kind: But howsoe'er thou shift thy strenuous strain,

Like Tailorsmooth, like Fisherswollen, and now Grim Yarringtonscarce bloodier marked than thou, Then bluff as Mayne'sor broad-mouthed Barry'sglee; Proud still with hoar predominance of brow

And beard like foam swept off the broad blown sea, Where'er thou go, men's reverence goes with thee.

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.
GEORGE CHAPMAN · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove