 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere |  |
GOOD AND EVIL.
Angel! beneath whose steadfast wingsThe Earth revolves her wanderings;
Behold, that ancient nurse of man
Is wearied, withered, palsied, wan.
A serpent o'er her bosom crept:
A serpent stung her while she slept:
A serpent's poison taints her blood.
Therefore their wisdom mocks the wise:
Corruption near perfection lies:
Ill ends the work that well began—
Wave once thy mighty wings, and fan
The Evil from the Good!
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | |