Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/1116

 GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL ( C JE>)

The Great Breath

ITS edges foam'd with amethyst and rose, Withers once more the old blue flower of day: There where the ether like a diamond glows, Its petals fade away.

A shadowy tumult stirs the dusky air, Sparkle the delicate dews, the distant snows, The great deep thrills for through it everywhere The breath of Beauty blows.

I saw how all the trembling ages past, Moulded to her by deep and deeper breath, Near'd to the hour when Beauty breathes her last And knowb herself in death.

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 * ALL not thy wanderer home as yet

Though it be late. Now ib his first assailing of

The invisible gate.

Be still through that light knocking. The hour Is tluong'd with fate.

To that first tapping at the invisible door

Fate answercth. What shining image or voice, what sigh

Or honied breath, Comes forth, shall be the master of life

Even to death.

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