The Inn of Dreams/St. Sebastian

by Olive Custance

For other versions of this work, see St. Sebastian (Custance).

St. Sebastian

So beautiful in all thine agony!So radiant in thine infinite despair . . .Oh, delicate mouth, brave eyes, and curled bright hair . . .Oh, lovely body lashed to the rough tree:What brutal fools were those that gave to theeRed roses of thine outraged blood to wear,Laughed at thy bitter pain and loathed the fairBruised flower of thy victorious purity?

Marvellous Beauty . . . target of the world,How all Love's arrows seek thy joy, Oh Sweet! And wound the white perfection of thy youth!How all the poisoned spears of hate are hurledAgainst thy sorrow when thou darest to meetWith martyrdom men's mockery of the truth!