A SEQUENCE OF SONNETS ON THE DEATH OF ROBERT BROWNING

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

The clearest eyes in all the world they read

With sense more keen and spirit of sight more true

Than burns and thrills in sunrise, when the dew

Flames, and absorbs the glory round it shed,

As they the light of ages quick and dead,

Closed now, forsake us: yet the shaft that slew

Can slay not one of all the works we knew,

Nor death discrown that many-laurelled head.

The works of words whose life seems lightning wrought,

And moulded of unconquerable thought,

And quickened with imperishable flame,

Stand fast and shine and smile, assured that nought

May fade of all their myriad-moulded fame,

Nor England's memory clasp not Browning's name.