Tristram of Lyonesse and Other Poems

III.

Ben Jonson

Algernon Charles Swinburne


BROAD-BASED, broad-fronted, bounteous, multiform,
    With many a valley impleached with ivy and vine,
    Wherein the springs of all the streams run wine,
And many a crag full-faced against the storm,
The mountain where thy Muse’s feet made warm
    Those lawns that revelled with her dance divine
    Shines yet with fire as it was wont to shine
From tossing torches round the dance aswarm.

Nor less, high-stationed on the grey grave heights,
High-thoughted seers with heaven’s heart-kindling lights
    Hold converse: and the herd of meaner things
Knows or by fiery scourge or fiery shaft
When wrath on thy broad brows has risen, and laughed,
    Darkening thy soul with shadow of thunderous wings.


Back    |    Words Home    |    Algernon Charles Swinburne Home    |    Site Info.    |    Feedback