The Last Betrayal

Edith Nesbit 1858 (Kennington, Surrey ) – 1924 (New Romney, Kent)



AND I shall lie alone at last,
Clear of the stream that ran so fast,
And feel the flower roots in my hair,
And in my hands the roots of trees;
Myself wrapt in the ungrudging peace
That leaves no pain uncovered anywhere.

What--this hope left? this way not barred?
This last best treasure without guard?
This heaven free--no prayers to pay?
Fool--are the Rulers of men asleep?
Thou knowest what tears They bade thee weep,
But, when peace comes, 'tis thou wilt sleep, not They.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on March 05, 2023

26 sec read
59

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABXXB CCDEED
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 471
Words 88
Stanzas 2
Stanza Lengths 6, 6

Edith Nesbit

Edith Nesbit (married name Edith Bland) was an English author and poet; she published her books for children under the name of E. Nesbit. She wrote or collaborated on more than 60 books of children's literature. She was also a political activist and co-founded the Fabian Society, a socialist organisation later affiliated to the Labour Party. more…

All Edith Nesbit poems | Edith Nesbit Books

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