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1837–1909

III.

Algernon Charles Swinburne

What likeness may define, and stray not From truth's exactest way, A baby's beauty? Love can say not What likeness may.

The Mayflower loveliest held in May Of all that shine and stay not Laughs not in rosier disarray. Sleek satin, swansdown, buds that play not

As yet with winds that play, Would fain be matched with this, and may not: What likeness may?

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III. · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove