Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern British Poetry. 1920.

“A. E.” (George William Russell)1867–1935

The Great Breath

ITS edges foamed with amethyst and rose,

Withers once more the old blue flower of day:

There where the ether like a diamond glows,

Its petals fade away.

A shadowy tumult stirs the dusky air;

Sparkle the delicate dews, the distant snows;

The great deep thrills—for through it everywhere

The breath of Beauty blows.

I saw how all the trembling ages past,

Moulded to her by deep and deeper breath,

Near’d to the hour when Beauty breathes her last

And knows herself in death.