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1837–1909

JOHN WEBSTER

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Thunder: the flesh quails, and the soul bows down. Night: east, west, south, and northward, very night. Star upon struggling star strives into sight, Star after shuddering star the deep storms drown.

The very throne of night, her very crown, A man lays hand on, and usurps her right. Song from the highest of heaven's imperious height Shoots, as a fire to smite some towering town.

Rage, anguish, harrowing fear, heart-crazing crime, Make monstrous all the murderous face of Time Shown in the spheral orbit of a glass Revolving. Earth cries out from all her graves.

Frail, on frail rafts, across wide-wallowing waves, Shapes here and there of child and mother pass.

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JOHN WEBSTER · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove