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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BETTER by JOHN BANISTER TABB

First Line: BETTER FOR SIN TO DWELL FROM HEAVEN APART
Last Line: WERE DEEPER HELL.
Subject(s): RELIGION; THEOLOGY;
Better for sin to dwell from heaven apart
In foulest night
Than on its lidless eyeballs feel the dart
Of torturing light.
Better to pine in floods of sulphurous fire
Than far above
Behold the bliss of satisfied desire,
Nor taste thereof.
Yea, love is lord, e'en where the powers of pain
Undying dwell;
Defiled, in spotless glory to remain
Were deeper hell.



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