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THE BRIAR-ROSE
Ah, Wisdom and fair Innocence,
Bound so fast in easeless ease!
Yet, holy heart, and love immense,
Linger not here to succour these;
Love Truth before her votaries!
On, thro’ the Briars,
The desperate Briars!
Oh, falter not, but set her free!
Break, break the Briars that round her twine!
Pierce they thy heart? What’s that to thee?
Welcome thou death, so life may shine
From Truth’s eyes, lifted gloriously
O’er the blossom’d Briars,
The sweet Rose-Briars!
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