Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: THE BEAUTIFUL; TO STELLA by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: ALL THINGS OF BEAUTY ARE NOT THEIRS ALONE
Last Line: OR IN MY NEIGHBOR'S GARDEN BLOOMS FOR ME!
Subject(s): BEAUTY;

ALL things of beauty are not theirs alone
Who hold the fee; but unto him no less
Who can enjoy, than unto them who own,
Are sweetest uses given to possess.
For Heaven is bountiful; and suffers none
To make monopoly of aught that's fair;
The breath of violets is not for one,
Nor loveliness of women; all may share
Who can discern; and He who made the law,
"Thou shalt not covet," gave the subtile power
By which, unsinning, I may freely draw
Beauty and fragrance from each perfect flower
That decks the wayside, or adorns the lea,
Or in my neighbor's garden blooms for me!



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