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1837–1909

RONDEL

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Kissing her hair I sat against her feet, Wove and unwove it, wound and found it sweet; Made fast therewith her hands, drew down her eyes, Deep as deep flowers and dreamy like dim skies;

With her own tresses bound and found her fair, Kissing her hair. Sleep were no sweeter than her face to me, Sleep of cold sea-bloom under the cold sea;

What pain could get between my face and hers? What new sweet thing would love not relish worse? Unless, perhaps, white death had kissed me there, Kissing her hair?

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RONDEL · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove