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THE BRIAR-ROSE
And where is the love that delivereth
From the cunning Briars,
The clinging Briars?
Many have loved her, in many a guise,
From many a realm of heart and soul;
Each and all with one wisdom wise,
For they turn’d their steps to the one same goal,
One quest deepen’d their wistful eyes—
But (oh, the Briars,
The mighty Briars!)
One was the guerdon Fate decreed!
—Still, still, the unpenetrated wails
Lie safe (alas! may none succeed?)
Safe! and a foul joy writhes and crawls
In them that on the dead men feed,
The lusty Briars,
The full-fed Briars.
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