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BLASPHEMY

BLASPHEMY

O FAIRY form, O flower-like face,
   O piteous tender breast,
Why did you come with your childish grace
   And trouble my heart's rest?

The tide, my darling, is bitter and deep
   That washes that cruel shore.
The happy lovers are those that sleep
   And love not any more.

Calm filmy dreams thro' each tired head
   Flow softly, mingle and flow.
The happy lovers are those that are dead.
   That died full long ago.

O child, forgive me; I lie, I lie
   With an evil blasphemy!
I lie to the clouds in the air above!
   I lie to the earth and the sea!

The living, the living must worship love!
   The dead, the dead must be.