1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature

Read the collected works of Robert Browning.
More E-texts

Song From 'Paracelsus'

by Robert Browning
(1812-1889)


HEAP cassia, sandal-buds and stripes
Of labdanum, and aloe-balls,
Smear'd with dull nard an Indian wipes
From out her hair: such balsam falls
Down sea-side mountain pedestals,
From tree-tops where tired winds are fain,
Spent with the vast and howling main,
To treasure half their island-gain.

And strew faint sweetness from some old
Egyptian's fine worm-eaten shroud
Which breaks to dust when once unroll'd;
Or shredded perfume, like a cloud
From closet long to quiet vow'd
With moth'd and dropping arras hung,
Mouldering her lute and books among,
As when a queen, long dead, was young.


More: Writer Directory | Book Reviews | Homework Help | E-texts | Timeline | Submit a Review |

Explore Classic Literature

Must Reads
By Category

More from About.com

Browse All About.com

Classic Literature

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature
Add to:

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.