Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ALCESTIS IS SPOKEN OF by THOMAS STURGE MOORE

First Line: SHE THEN BECAME A SHADE THAT HE MIGHT LIVE
Last Line: BUT KNOWS NO MEASURE, NEITHER DEATH NOR BIRTH.

SHE then became a shade that he might live,
Now is what she had been...We contemplate
One who gave all, who, reckless chose for mate,
Not him who lacked whatever she might give,
Nor Time-to-Come distraught with echoing names,
Nor dim and dusty Death...her all was given
To that which in each heart is the true heaven,
A spirit victor over all men's shames.
Yes, rather cease to be than be so vile
As peer close at a balanced less or more;
Beauty pays not for admiration, nor
Is bounty taxed for every kindling smile;
Their worth is not like truth about this earth
But knows no measure, neither death nor birth.



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