| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
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| Song in Imitation of the Elizabethans |
| | | William Watson (1858–1935) |
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| SWEETEST sweets that time hath rifled | |
| Live anew on lyric tongue— | |
| Tresses with which Paris trifled, | |
| Lips to Antony’s that clung. | |
| These surrender not their rose, | 5 |
| Nor their golden puissance those. | |
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| Vain the envious loam that covers | |
| Her of Egypt, her of Troy: | |
| Helen’s, Cleopatra’s lovers | |
| Still desire them, still enjoy. | 10 |
| Fate but stole what Song restored: | |
| Vain the aspic, vain the cord. | |
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| Idly clanged the sullen portal, | |
| Idly the sepulchral door: | |
| Fame the mighty, Love the immortal, | 15 |
| These than foolish dust are more: | |
| Nor may captive Death refuse | |
| Homage to the conquering Muse. | |
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