To George Sand
28 lines✦
hou large-brained woman and large-hearted man,Self-called George Sand! whose soul, amid the lionsOf thy tumultuous senses, moans defianceAnd answers roar for roar, as spirits can:I would some mild miraculous thunder ranAbove the applauded circus, in applianceOf thine own nobler nature's strength and science,Drawing two pinions, white as wings of swan,From thy strong shoulders, to amaze the placeWith holier light! that thou to woman's claimAnd man's, mightst join beside the angel's graceOf a pure genius sanctified from blameTill child and maiden pressed to thine embraceTo kiss upon thy lips a stainless fame. True genius, but true woman! dost denyThe woman's nature with a manly scorn,And break away the gauds and armlets wornBy weaker women in captivity?Ah, vain denial! that revolted cryIs sobbed in by a woman's voice forlorn,-Thy woman's hair, my sister, all unshornFloats back dishevelled strength in agony,Disproving thy man's name: and while beforeThe world thou burnest in a poet-fire,We see thy woman-heart beat evermoreThrough the large flame. Beat purer, heart, and higher,Till God unsex thee on the heavenly shoreWhere unincarnate spirits purely aspire!
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