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1837–1909

III

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Glad, but not flushed with gladness, Since joys go by; Sad, but not bent with sadness, Since sorrows die;

Deep in the gleaming glass She sees all past things pass, And all sweet life that was lie down and lie. There glowing ghosts of flowers

Draw down, draw nigh; And wings of swift spent hours Take flight and fly; She sees by formless gleams,

She hears across cold streams, Dead mouths of many dreams that sing and sigh. Face fallen and white throat lifted, With sleepless eye

She sees old loves that drifted, She knew not why, Old loves and faded fears Float down a stream that hears

The flowing of all men's tears beneath the sky.

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III · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove