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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FOUR SONNETS: 2 by LINDLEY WILLIAMS HUBBELL

First Line: GOD, YOU WILL DOUBTLESS WIN ME IN THE END
Last Line: THAT I COULD LOVE YOU MORE THAN SECOND BEST.
Subject(s): BEAUTY;

God, you will doubtless win me in the end.
When once too often I have seen great beauty
Rotting away, I shall remember duty
And turn to you as to an only friend.
Oh, I shall then be calm and wise and still,
And feel no more a sudden twinge of pain
At seeing clustered lilies in the rain,
Or one tall poplar naked on a hill.
I shall bow down where many knees have bent,
And you may mark my prayers until it sate you;
I shall be much too tired out to hate you;
After a little there will be content.
But do not dream, though I forget the rest,
That I could love you more than second best.



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