| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
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| The Great Breath |
| | | George William Russell (1867–1935) |
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| IITS edges foamed 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. | |
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| A shadowy tumult stirs the dusky air; | 5 |
| Sparkle the delicate dews, the distant snows; | |
| The great deep thrills, for through it everywhere | |
| The breath of Beauty blows. | |
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| I saw how all the trembling ages past, | |
| Moulded to her by deep and deeper breath, | 10 |
| Neared to the hour when Beauty breathes her last | |
| And knows herself in death. | |
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