Love Lies Bleeding

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Love lies bleeding in the bed whereover

Roses lean with smiling mouths or pleading:

Earth lies laughing where the sun's dart clove her:

  Love lies bleeding.

Stately shine his purple plumes, exceeding

Pride of princes:  nor shall maid or lover

Find on earth a fairer sign worth heeding.

Yet may love, sore wounded scarce recover

Strength and spirit again, with life receding:

Hope and joy, wind-winged, about him hover:

  Love lies bleeding.