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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHANGE NOT LOSS; SONNET by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: I DEEM TO LOVE AND LOSE BY LOVE'S DECAY
Last Line: BY ROYAL RIGHT DIVINE HIS VERY OWN!
Subject(s): CHANGE;

I DEEM to love and lose by love's decay
In either breast, or Fate's unkindly cross,
Is not, perforce, irreparable loss
Unto the larger. There may come a day,
Changing for precious gold Affection's dross,
When the great heart that sorely sighed to say
"Farewell!" unto the late-departed guest
(The transient tenant of an idle breast)
Shall, through the open portal, welcome there
A worthier than he who barred the place
Against the loitering lord, whose regal face
And princely step proclaim the lawful heir
Arrived -- ah, happy day! -- to fill the throne
By royal right divine his very own!



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