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1837–1909

THE MONUMENT OF GIORDANO BRUNO

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Not from without us, only from within, Comes or can ever come upon us light Whereby the soul keeps ever truth in sight. No truth, no strength, no comfort man may win,

No grace for guidance, no release from sin, Save of his own soul's giving. Deep and bright As fire enkindled in the core of night Burns in the soul where once its fire has been

The light that leads and quickens thought, inspired To doubt and trust and conquer. So he said Whom Sidney, flower of England, lordliest head Of all we love, loved: but the fates required

A sacrifice to hate and hell, ere fame Should set with his in heaven Giordano's name. Cover thine eyes and weep, O child of hell, Grey spouse of Satan, Church of name abhorred.

Weep, withered harlot, with thy weeping lord, Now none will buy the heaven thou hast to sell At price of prostituted souls, and swell Thy loveless list of lovers. Fire and sword

No more are thine: the steel, the wheel, the cord, The flames that rose round living limbs, and fell In lifeless ash and ember, now no more Approve thee godlike. Rome, redeemed at last

From all the red pollution of thy past, Acclaims the grave bright face that smiled of yore Even on the fire that caught it round and clomb To cast its ashes on the face of Rome.

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THE MONUMENT OF GIORDANO BRUNO · Algernon Charles Swinburne · Poetry Cove