Tristram of Lyonesse and Other Poems

Sonnets

The Channel Tunnel

Algernon Charles Swinburne


NOT for less love, all glorious France, to thee,
    ‘Sweet enemy’ called in days long since at end.
    Now found and hailed of England sweeter friend,
Bright sister of our freedom now, being free;
Not for less love or faith in friendship we
    Whose love burnt ever toward thee reprehend
    The vile vain greed whose pursy dreams portend
Between our shores suppression of the sea.
Not by dull toil of blind mechanic art
Shall these be linked for no man’s force to part
    Nor length of years and changes to divide,
But union only of trust and loving heart
    And perfect faith in freedom strong to abide
    And spirit at one with spirit on either side.

        April 3, 1881.


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