Arthur Christopher Benson. b. 1862
859. The Phoenix
1 min to read
102 words

BY feathers green, across Casbeen   The pilgrims track the Phoenix flown, By gems he strew'd in waste and wood,   And jewell'd plumes at random thrown.

Till wandering far, by moon and star,   They stand beside the fruitful pyre, Where breaking bright with sanguine light   The impulsive bird forgets his sire.

Those ashes shine like ruby wine,   Like bag of Tyrian murex spilt, The claw, the jowl of the flying fowl   Are with the glorious anguish gilt.

So rare the light, so rich the sight,   Those pilgrim men, on profit bent, Drop hands and eyes and merchandise,   And are with gazing most content.

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Henry Newbolt. b. 1862
860. He fell among Thieves
1 min to read
391 words
Return to The Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250–1900






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