The Great Breath

Its edges foam'd with amethyst and rose, Withers once more the old blue flower of day: There where the ether like a diamond glows,         Its petals fade away. A shadowy tumult stirs the dusky air; Sparkle the delicate dews, the distant snows; The great deep thrills—for through it everywhere         The breath of Beauty blows. I saw how all the trembling ages past, Moulded to her by deep and deeper breath, Near'd to the hour when Beauty breathes her last         And knows herself in death.