Strong as death, and cruel as the grave,
Clothed with cloud and tempest's blackening breath,
Known of death's dread self, whom none outbrave,
Strong as death,
Love, brow-bound with anguish for a wreath,
Fierce with pain, a tyrant-hearted slave,
Burns above a world that groans beneath.
Hath not pity power on thee to save,
Love? hath power no pity? Nought he saith,
Answering: blind he walks as wind or wave,
Strong as death.
More verses by Algernon Charles Swinburne
- Chorus From 'Atalanta'
- Non Dolet
- At Sea
- A Ballad Of François Villon, Prince Of All Ballad-Makers
- Before The Mirror