Astrophel and Other PoemsTaken from The Collected Poetical Works of Algernon CharlesSwinburne, Vol. VI
The wonder woven of storm and sun became

One with the light that lightens from his name.

The music moving on the sea that felt

The storm-wind even as snows of springtide melt

Was blithe as Ariel's hand or voice might make

And bid all grief die gladly for its sake.

[Pg 157]

And there the soul alive in ear and eye

That watched the wonders of an hour pass by

Saw brighter than all stars that heaven inspheres

The silent splendour of Cordelia's tears,

Felt in the whispers of the quickening wind

The radiance of the laugh of Rosalind,

And heard, in sounds that melt the souls of men

With love of love, the tune of Imogen.

VII

For the strong north-east is not strong to subdue and to slay the divine south-west,

And the darkness is less than the light that it darkens, and dies in reluctant rest.

It hovers and hangs on the labouring and trembling ascent of the dawn from the deep,

Till the sun's eye quicken the world and the waters, and smite it again into sleep.


 Prev. P 42/162 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact