| George William (“A. E.”) Russell (1867–1935). Collected Poems by A.E. 1913. |
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| 61. The Vesture of the Soul |
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| I PITIED one whose tattered dress | |
| Was patched, and stained with dust and rain; | |
| He smiled on me; I could not guess | |
| The viewless spirit’s wide domain. | |
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| He said, “The royal robe I wear | 5 |
| Trails all along the fields of light: | |
| Its silent blue and silver bear | |
| For gems the starry dust of night. | |
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| “The breath of Joy unceasingly | |
| Waves to and fro its folds starlit, | 10 |
| And far beyond earth’s misery | |
| I live and breathe the joy of it.” | |
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