Songs Before Sunrise

audiobook

Songs Before Sunrise

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

EN·~3 hours·38 chapters

Chapters

38 total
1

Transcribed from the 1917 William Heinemann edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

0:35
2

DEDICATION

1:36
3

PRELUDE

7:19
4

THE EVE OF REVOLUTION - 1

18:58
5

A WATCH IN THE NIGHT - 1

5:03
6

SUPER FLUMINA BABYLONIS

4:55
7

THE HALT BEFORE ROME September 1867

11:18
8

MENTANA: FIRST ANNIVERSARY

17:31
9

HERTHA

7:23
10

BEFORE A CRUCIFIX

7:33

Description

In this early work, the poet offers a fervent tribute to the revolutionary spirit of Giuseppe Mazzini, weaving together images of blossoms, swords, and songs that echo both personal devotion and collective yearning. The verses balance delicate sensuality with a fierce call for liberty, suggesting that even the faintest melody can become a weapon for change. Readers are drawn into a world where love, sorrow, and political idealism intertwine, setting a tone that feels both intimate and expansive.

The opening prelude moves from youthful exuberance to contemplative introspection, portraying a young voice that sings with Time itself while confronting the inevitable passage of seasons. Swirling images of buds, red roses, and wind‑blown leaves convey both hope and the ache of fleeting beauty, as the speaker wrestles with doubt, faith, and the desire for lasting freedom. This lyrical journey invites listeners to feel the pulse of nature mirrored in the restless human spirit.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~3 hours (224K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2003-05-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Algernon Charles Swinburne

1837–1909

A daring Victorian poet with a gift for unforgettable rhythm, he became famous for verse that felt both musical and rebellious. His work helped make him one of the most distinctive voices linked to the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

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