Locrine: A Tragedy

Then thou sawest our Britain’s heart and head Death-stricken. Seemed not there my sire to thee More great than thine, or all men living? We Stand shadows of the fathers we survi...

Come close, and look upon me. Child or man,— I know not how to call thee, being my child, Who know not how myself am called, nor can— God witness—tell thee what should she be st...

If thou didst ever love me, love me now. I am weary at heart of all on earth save thee. And yet I lie: and yet I lie not. Thou— Dost thou not think for love’s sake scorn of me?

Nay, tell not me: no smoke of lies can smother The truth which lightens through thy lies: I see Whose trust it is that makes a liar of thee, And how thy falsehood, man, has fait...

Hast thou seen how wide this water flows— How smooth it swells and shines from brim to brim, How fair, how full? Nay, then thine eyes are dim. Thou dost not weep for fear lest e...

Ay, verily? And thy spirit exalts thee now So high that these thy words fly forth so free, And fain thine act would follow—flying above Shame’s reach and fear’s? What gift may t...

Might! and a king’s might his? do kings bear sway For nought, that aught should keep him hence till night? Why didst thou bid God help me when I sought To know but of his coming?

Where the front of war is broken By the onset of thy force—the rebel fray Shattered. Had no man—canst thou surely say?— Knowledge betimes, to give us knowledge here— Us babblers...

This light of dawn is like an evil dream’s That comes and goes and is not. Yea, and thus Our hope on both sides wavering dares allow No light but fire to bid us die or live. —So...

Has my master found my faith a lie Once all these years through? have I strayed or slept Once, when he bade me watch? what proof has leapt At last to light against me?