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diff --git a/42052-0.txt b/42052-0.txt index 962e83b..f4fc0c1 100644 --- a/42052-0.txt +++ b/42052-0.txt @@ -1,27 +1,4 @@ - THE GOLDEN HELM - - - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - - - -Title: The Golden Helm - and Other Verse -Author: Wilfrid Wilson Gibson -Release Date: February 08, 2013 [EBook #42052] -Language: English -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN HELM *** - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42052 *** Produced by Al Haines. @@ -2543,377 +2520,4 @@ With moaning cry, low in the dust she sank. PRINTED BY R. FOLKARD AND SON, 23, DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE, BLOOMSBURY. - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN HELM *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42052 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the -General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and -distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the Project -Gutenberg™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered -trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you -receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of -this eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - - - -Title: The Golden Helm - and Other Verse -Author: Wilfrid Wilson Gibson -Release Date: February 08, 2013 [EBook #42052] -Language: English -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN HELM *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines. - - - - -[Illustration: Cover] - - - - - THE - GOLDEN HELM - AND OTHER VERSE - - - BY - WILFRID WILSON GIBSON - - - - LONDON - ELKIN MATHEWS, VIGO STREET - 1903 - - - - - TO - HOWARD PEASE - - - - - _BY THE SAME WRITER_ - - _URLYN THE HARPER AND OTHER SONG_ - _THE QUEEN'S VIGIL AND OTHER SONG_ - - - - -Thanks are due to Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., for permission to reprint -"The King's Death," "The Three Kings," and the first part of "Averlaine -and Arkeld," from _The Cornhill Magazine_; to the editor of _Macmillan's -Magazine_ for leave to reprint "In the Valley"; to the editor of _The -Saturday Review_ for leave to reprint "Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrire"; -and to the editors of _The Pilot, The Outlook, The Pall Mall Gazette, -Country Life, The Week's Survey_, and _The Broadsheet_, for like -courtesy with regard to a number of "The Songs of Queen Averlaine." - - - - - Contents - -The Torch -The Unknown Knight -The King's Death -The Knight of the Wood -Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrire -In the Valley -The Vision: a Christmas Mystery -The Three Kings -The Songs of Queen Averlaine -The Golden Helm - - - - - The Torch - - -Through skies blown clear by storm, o'er storm-spent seas, -Day kindled pale with promise of full noon -Of blue unclouded; no night-weary wind -Ruffled the slumberous, heaving deeps to white, -Though round the Farne Isles the waves never sink -In foamless sleep--about the pillared crags -For ever circling with unresting spray. -At dawn's first glimmer, from his island-cell-- -Rock-hewn, secure from tempest--Oswald came -With slow and weary step, white-faced and worn -With night-long vigil for storm-perilled souls. -His anxious eye with sharp foreboding bright-- -He scanned the treacherous flood; the long froth-trail -That marks the lurking reefs; the jag-toothed chasms -Which, foaming, gape at night beneath the keel-- -The mouth of hell to storm-bewildered ships: -But no scar-stranded vessel met his glance. -Relieved, he drank the glistering calm of morn, -With nostril keen and warm lips parted wide; -While, gradually, the sun-enkindled air -Quickened his pallid cheek with youthful flame, -Though lonely years had silvered his dark head, -And round his eyes had woven shadow-meshes. -Clearly he caught the ever-clamorous cries -Of guillemot and puffin from afar, -Where, canopied by hovering, white wings, -They crowded naked pinnacles of rock. -He watched, with eyes of glistening tenderness, -The brooding eider--Cuthbert's sacred bird, -That bears among the isles his saintly name-- -Breast the calm waves; a black, wet-gleaming fin -Cleft the blue waters with a foaming jag, -Where, close behind the restless herring-herd, -With ravening maw of death, the porpoise sped. -Oswald, light-tranced, dreamed in the sun awhile; -Till, suddenly, as some old sorrow starts, -Though years have glided by with soothing lull, -The gust of ancient longing rent his bliss: -His narrow isle, as by some darkling spell, -More narrow shrank; the gulls' unceasing cries -Grew still more fretful; and his hermit-life -A sea-scourged desolation to him seemed. -The holy tree of peace--which he had dreamt -Would flourish in the wilderness afresh, -Upspringing ever in new ecstasy -Of branching beauty and white blooms of truth, -Till its star-tangling crest should cleave the sky, -And angels rustle through its topmost boughs-- -Seemed sapless, rootless. Through his quivering limbs -His famine-wasted youth to life upleapt -With passionate yearning for humanity: -The stir of towns; the jostling of glad throngs; -Welcoming faces and warm-clasping hands; -Yea, even for the lips and eyes of Love -He hungered with keen pangs of old desire: -And, if for him these might not be, he craved -At least the exultation of swift peril-- -The red-foamed riot of delirious strife -That rears a bloody crest o'er peaceful shires, -And, slaying, in a swirl of slaughter dies. -With brow uplifted and strained, pulsing throat, -And salt-parched lips out-thrust, unto the sun -He stretched beseeching hands, as though he sought -To snatch some glittering disaster thence. -One moment radiant thus; and then once more -His arms dropped listless, and he slowly shrank -Within his sea-stained habit, cowering dark -Amid the azure blaze of sea and sky. -Then, stirring, with impatient step he moved -Across the isle to where the rocky shore, -Forming a little, crag-encircled bay, -Sloped steeply to the level of the sea; -But, as he neared the edges of the tide, -Startled, he paused, as, marvelling, he saw -A woman on the shelving, wet, black rock, -Lying, forlorn, among the storm-wrack, white -And motionless; still wet, her raiment clung -About her limbs, and with her wet, gold hair -Green sea-weed tangled. Oswald on her looked -Amazed, as one who, in a sea-born trance, -Discovers the lone spirit of the storm, -Self-spent at last, and sunk in dreamless slumber -Within some caverned gloom. Coldly he watched -The little waves creep up the glistening rock, -And, faltering, slide once more into the deep, -As though they feared to waken her: at length, -When one, more venturous, about her stole, -And moved her heavy hair as if with life, -He shuddered; and a lightning-knowledge struck -His heart with fear; and in a flash he knew -That no sea-phantom couched before him lay, -But some frail fellow-creature, tempest-tost, -Hung yet in peril on the edge of death, -Her weak life slipping from the saving grasp -While he delayed. He sprang through plashy weed, -O'er slippery ridges, to the rock whereon -She lay with upturned face and close-shut eyes-- -One hand across her breast, the other dipped -Within a shallow pool of emerald water, -With blue-veined fingers clutching the red fronds -Of frail sea-weed. Then Oswald, bending, felt -Upon his cheek the feeble breath that still -Fluttered between the pallid, parted lips. -In trembling haste, he loosed the sodden cords -That bound her to a spar; and with hot hands -He chafed her icy limbs, until the glow -Of life returned. With fitful quivering -The white lids opened; and she looked on him -With dull, unwondering eyes whose deep-sea blue -The gloom of death's late passing shadowed yet; -When suddenly light thrilled them, and bright fear -Flashed from their depths, and, with a little gasp, -She strove to rise; but Oswald with quick words -Calmed her weak terror, and she sank once more, -Closing her eyes; and, gently lifting her -Within his arms--her gold hair hanging straight -And heavy with sea-water, as he plunged -Knee-deep through pools of crackling bladder-weed-- -He bore her, unresisting, o'er the isle -Unto the rock-built shelter he had reared, -Some little way apart from his own cell, -For storm-stayed fishers or wrecked mariners. -He laid her on a bed of withered bents, -And ministered to her with gentle hands -And ceaseless care; till, wrapped in warm, deep sleep, -She sank oblivious. Silently he placed -His island-fare beside her on the board, -Lest she should wake in need; then, with hushed step, -He turned to go; but, ere he reached the door, -He paused, and looked again towards the bed, -As though he feared his strange sea-guest might flee -Like some wild spirit, born of wondering foam, -That wins from man the shelter of his breast, -Then, on a night of moon-enchanted tides, -Leaps with shrill laughter to its native seas, -Bearing his soul within its glistening arms, -To drown his peace on earth and hope of heaven -In cold eternities of lightless deeps. -But still in dreamless sleep the stranger lay, -With parted lips and breathing soft and calm; -About her head unloosed, her hair outshone, -Among the grey-green bents, like fine, red gold. -So beautiful she was that Oswald, pierced -With quivering rapture, dared no longer bide, -But, with quick fingers, softly raised the latch, -And stumbled o'er the threshold. As he went, -A flock of sea-gulls from the bent-thatched roof -Rose, querulous, and round him, wheeling, swept, -With creaking wings and cold, black eyes agleam; -Yet Oswald saw them not, nor heard their cries; -Nor saw he, as he paced the eastern crags, -How, round the Farnes, the dreaming ocean lay -In broad, unshadowed, sapphire ecstasy, -That glowed to noon through slow, uncounted hours. -His early gloom had vanished; time and space -And earth and sea no longer compassed him; -One thought alone consumed him--beauty slept -Within the shelter of his hermitage, -Upon grey, rustling bents, with golden hair. -He roamed, unresting, till the copper sun -Sank in a steel-grey sea, and earth and sky -Were strewn with shadows--wavering and dim-- -To weave a pathway for the dawning moon, -That she, from night's oblivion, might create -With the cold spell of her enchantments old -A phantom earth with magical, bright seas, -A vaster heaven of unrevealed stars. -Unmoving, on a headland of swart crag -That jutted gaunt and sharp against the night, -Stood Oswald, cowled and silent. Hour by hour -He gazed across the sea, which nothing shadowed, -Save where--now dim, now white--a lonely sail -Hung, restless, o'er a fisher's barren toil. -Yet Oswald saw nor sail nor moon nor sea: -His heart kept vigil by the little house -Wherein the stranger slumbered; and it seemed -His life, by some strange power within him stayed, -Awaited the unlatching of the door. - -But now, within the hut, the sleeper dreamt -Of foaming caverns and o'erwhelming waters; -Then, shuddering awake, awhile she lay, -And watched the moonlight, cold and white, which poured -Through the warm dusk, from the high window-slit; -When, all at once, the strangeness of the room -Closed in upon her with bewildering dread. -She stirred; the bents, beneath her, rustled strange; -She started in affright, and, swaying, stood -Within the streaming moonlight, till, at last, -In memory, once more disaster swept -Over her life, and left her, desolate, -Upon bleak crags of alien seas unknown. -Yet, through the tumult of tempestuous dark, -Above the echo of despairing cries, -A calm voice sounded; and beyond the whirl -Of foaming death, wherein she caught the gleam -Of well-loved faces drowning in cold seas, -A living face shone out--a beacon clear: -Then numbing fear fell from her, and she moved, -Unlatched the door, and stole into the night. -One moment, dazzled by the full-moon glare, -She paused, a shivering form within the wide -And glittering desolation--lone and frail. -But Oswald, watchful on the eastern scars, -Seeing her, forward came with eager pace -To meet her; and, as he drew swiftly near, -His cowl fell backward; and she knew again -The face that calmed the terrors of her dreams. -Yet, with the knowledge, through her being stole, -Vague fear more strange, more impotent than the blind -Unquestioning dread when death had round her stormed; -No peril of the body could arouse -Such ecstasy of terror in her soul, -Which seemed upborne upon the shivering crest -Of some great wave, just curving, ere it crash -Upon the crags of time. Yet, though she feared -When Oswald paused, uncertain, quick she spake, -As though she sought to parry doom with words. -She questioned him--scarce heeding his replies-- -How she had hither come; when, suddenly, -Sped by her fluttering words, the last, dim cloud -Rolled from her memory, and she saw revealed -Within a pitiless glare of naked light -The utmost horror of her desolation. -Mute with despair, she stood with parted lips, -And then cried fiercely: "Hath the sea upcast -None other on this shore? Am I, alone, -Of all my kin who sailed in that doomed ship, -Flung back to life?" And as, with piteous glance, -He answered her: "Ah God, that I, with them, -Had died! O traitor cords that held too sure -My body to the broken spar of life! -O feeble seas, that fumed in such wild wrath, -Yet could not quench so frail a thing as I!" -With passionate step, across the isle she ran, -And leapt from crag to crag, until she stood -Upon a dizzy scar that jutted sheer -Above low-lapping waves. Then once again -Her moaning cry was heard among the Isles: -"O bitter waters, give them back to me! -You shall not keep them; all your waves of woe -Cannot withhold from me those dauntless lives -That were my life. Surely they cannot rest -Without me; even from your unfathomed graves -Surely my love will draw them to my arms!" -As though in tremulous expectation tranced, -She yearned, with arms outstretched; as dawn arose -Exultant from the sea, and with clear rays -Kindled her wind-tost hair to streaming flame. - -Awhile she stood, then, moaning, slowly sank -Upon the crag; and Oswald came to her -With words of comfort which unloosed her pent -And aching woe in swift, tumultuous tears. -Oswald, in silent anguish, drew apart, -Gazing, unseeing, o'er the dawning waves; -Until at last the tempest of her grief, -In low and fitful sobbing, spent itself; -When, turning to him, once again she spake, -And, shuddering, with faltering voice, outpoured -The tale of her despair: and Oswald heard -How she, who sat thus strangely by his side, -Marna, a sea-earl's daughter, had besought -Her father, when the old sea-hunger lit -His eyes--as waves shot through with stormy fight-- -For leave to bear him company but once, -When, with his sons, he rode the adventurous seas; -How he had yielded with reluctant love; -And how, from out the firth of some far strand, -Their galley rode, beneath a flaming dawn; -How her young heart had leapt to see the sails -Unfurled to take the wind, as, one by one, -Toil-glistening rowers shipped the dripping oars, -And loosened every sheet before the breeze; -How, as the ship with timbers all astrain, -Leapt to mid-sea, through Marna's body thrilled -A kindred rapture, and there came to her -The sheer, delirious joy of them true-born -To wander with the foam--each creaking cord -That tugged the quivering mast unto her singing -Of unknown shores and far, enchanted lands, -Beyond the blue horizon; how, all day, -They rode, undaunted, through the spinning surf; -But, as the sun dipped, in the cold, grey tide, -The wind, that since the dawn with steady speed -Had filled the sails, now came in fitful gusts, -Fierce and yet fiercer, till the sullen waves -Were lashed to anger, and the waters leapt -To tussle with the furies of the air; -And how the ship, in the encounter caught, -Was tossed on crests of swirling dark, or dropped -Between o'er-toppling walls of whelming night; -How in those hours--too dread for thought or speech-- -Her father's hand had bound her to a spar; -And, even as--the cord between his teeth-- -He tugged the last knot sure, the vessel crashed -Upon a cleaving scar; and she but saw -The strong, pale faces looking upon death, -Before the fierce, exultant waters closed -With cold oblivion o'er them; and no more -She knew, until she waked within the hut, -To find her world, in one disastrous night, -In one swift surge of roaring darkness, swept -From her young feet; her kindred, home and friends, -And all familiar hopes and joys and fears -Dropt like a garment from her life, which now -Stood naked on the edge of some new world -Of unknown terrors. - Oswald heard her tale -With pitying glance; yet in his eyes arose -A strange, new light, which as each gust of grief -Shook out the fluttering words, more brightly burned; -So that, when Marna ceased, it seemed to her -That he, in holy contemplation rapt, -Had heeded not her woe; and from her heart -Burst out a cry: "Ah God, I am alone!" -But, stung by her shrill anguish, Oswald waked -From his bright reverie, and his shining eyes -Darkened with swift compassion, as he turned -And, trembling, spake: "Nay, not alone..." - Then mute -He stood--his pale lips clenched--as though within -There surged a torrent which he dared not loose. -Marna looked wondering up; but, when her eyes -Saw the white passion of his face, her soul -Was tossed once more on crests of unknown fears; -Yet rapture warred with terror in her heart; -She trembled, and her breath came short and quick. -She dared not raise her eyes again to his, -Till, on her straining ears, his words, once more, -Fell, slow and cold and clear as water dripping -Between locked sluice-gates: "Nothing need you fear. -Beyond the sea of unknown terrors lie -White havens of an undiscovered peace. -For even this bleak, scar-embattled coast -May yield safe harbour to the storm-spent soul. -Your world has fallen from you that you may -Enter another world, more beautiful, -Built 'neath the shadow of the throne of God. -There shall you find new friends, who yet will seem -Familiar to your eyes, because their souls -Have passed through kindred perils and despairs." -He ceased; and silence, trembling, 'twixt them hung; -Till Marna, gazing yet across the sea, -Rent it with words: "Where may I find this peace?" -And Oswald answered: "In an inland dale -The Sisters of the Cross await your coming, -With ever-open gate. Within seven days, -My brethren from the mainland will put out, -Bringing me food; on their return with them -You may embark. Till then, this barren rock -Must be your home." Exultant light once more -Leapt, flashing, in the depths of his dark eyes. -Yet Marna looked not up, but, slowly, spake: -"Yea, I must go.... But you...." - Then in dismay -She stopped, as though the thought had slipped unknown -From her full heart; but Oswald caught the words, -And spake with hard, quick speech, as if to baffle -Some doubt that strove within him: "On this Isle -I bide, till God shall kindle my weak soul -To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas." -Once more he paused; and perilous silence swayed -Between them, until Oswald, quaking, rose, -As one who dared no longer rest beneath -O'er-toppling doom. Yet, with calm voice, he spake: -"Even within this wilderness abides -Such beauty that, in your brief sojourn here, -Your soul shall starve not; all about you sweeps -The ever-changing wonder of the sea; -But if, too full of bitter memories, -The bright waves darken, you may lift your eyes -To watch the swooping gull; the flashing tern; -The stately cormorant and the kittiwake-- -Most beautiful of all the island-birds; -Or, if your woman's heart should crave some grace -More exquisite, see, frail bell-campions blow, -As foam-flowers on the shallow, sandy turf." -As thus he spake, a light in Marna's eyes -Arose, and sorrow left her for awhile: -And she with bright glance questioned him, and watched -The hovering gulls, and plucked the snowy blooms, -With little cries at each discovered beauty. -Yet Oswald by her side walked silently, -And watched, as one struck mute with anguished fear, -Her eager eyes, and heard her chattering words. -Then, suddenly, he left her, but returned -Within the hour, with faltering step, and spake -With tremulous voice: "We two must part awhile; -For I must keep lone vigil in my cell -Six days and nights, with fasting and with prayer; -Meanwhile, within the little hut for you -Are food and shelter till the brethren come. -When I must give you over to their care." -Marna, with wondering heart, looked up at him; -But such a wild light flickered in his eyes -She dared not speak; and, shuddering, he turned, -And strode back swiftly to the hermitage. - -Marna looked after him with yearning gaze, -As though her heart would have her call him back, -Yet her lips moved not; motionless, she watched -Until he passed from sight; then, sinking low -Among the flowers, she wept, she knew not why. - -And, as the door closed on him, Oswald fell -Prone on the cold, black, vigil-furrowed rock -That paved his narrow cell; and long he lay -As in the clutch of some dread waking-trance, -Nor stirred until the shadows into night -Were woven. Then unto his feet he leapt -With this wild cry: "O God, why hast Thou sent -This scourge most bitter for my naked soul? -I feared not storm nor solitude, O God; -I shrank not from the tempest of Thy wrath; -Though oft my weak soul wavered, trampled o'er -By deedless hours, and yearned unto the world, -Ever afresh Thy love hath bound me fast -Unto this island of Thy lonely seas; -And I, who deemed that I at last might reach-- -I who had come through all--Thy golden haven, -Knew not Thy hand withheld this last despair, -This scourge most bitter, being most beautiful." -Then on his knees he sank, and tried to pray -Before the Virgin's shrine, where ever burned -His votive taper with unfailing light. -But when his lips would breathe the holy name, -His heart cried: "Marna! Marna!" Every pulse -Throbbed "Marna!" And his body shook and swayed, -As though it strove to utter that one word, -And cry it once unto eternal stars, -Though it should perish crying. Through the cell -The silence murmured: "Marna!" And without -A lone gull wailed it to the windy night. -He lifted his wild eyes, and in the shrine -He saw the face of Marna, which outburned -The flickering taper; on the gloom up-surged, -Foam-white, the face of Marna; till the dark -Flowed pitiful o'er him, and on the stone -He sank unconscious. Night went slowly by, -And pale dawn stole in silence through his cell; -And, in the light of morn, the taper died, -With feeble guttering; yet he never stirred, -Though noonday waxed and waned. - But Marna roamed -All night beneath the stars. To her it seemed -That not until the closing of the door -Had all hope perished: now death tore, afresh, -Her father and her brothers from her arms. -By day and night and under sun and moon -She roamed unresting--seeing, heeding naught-- -Till weariness o'ercame her, and she slept; -And, as she slumbered, snowy-plumed peace -Nestled within her heart; and, when she waked, -She only yearned for that dim, cloistral calm, -Embosomed deep in some bough-sheltered vale, -Whither the boat must bear her. - In his cell, -As night paled slowly to the seventh morn, -Oswald arose--the fire within his eyes -Yet more intense, more fierce. With eager hand -He clutched the latch, and, flinging wide the door, -He strode into the dawn. One moment, dazed, -As though bewildered by the light, he paused; -But, when his glance in restless roving fell -On Marna, standing on the western crag -Against the setting moon, beneath the dawn, -His passion surged upon him, and he shook; -Then, springing madly forth, he, stumbling, ran, -And, falling at her feet upon the rock, -His voice rang out in fearful exultation: -"You shall not go! I cannot let you go! -Has not the tumult tossed you to my breast? -Yea, and not all the storms of all the seas -Shall drag you from me! Nay, you shall not go! -For we will live together on this isle -Which time has builded in the deeps for us-- -We two together, one in ecstasy, -Throughout eternity; for time shall fall -From off us; and the world shall be no more: -And God, if God should stand between us now..." -Faltering, he paused; and Marna stood, afraid, -Quaking before him; but she spake no word. -Across the waters came the plash of oars; -But Oswald heard them not, and once more cried: -"You will not go--thrusting me back to death? -For now I know the strange, new thing you brought -For me from out the storm was life--yea, life; -And I am one arisen from the grave. -You will not thrust me back and take again -That which you came through storm to bring to me? -You will not go? I cannot let you go!" - -He ceased; and now the even plash of oars -Came clearer. One dread moment Marna stood -Swaying; then, stretching forth her arms, she cried: -"Ah God! Ah God! Why hath Thy cold hand set -This doom upon me? Must I ever bear -Death and disaster unto whom I love? -Oh, is it not enough that, 'neath the wave, -Because I sought to bear them company, -My father and my brothers lie in death? -But this--ah God--that it should come to this! -Must I bear ever death within my hands?" - -She paused one moment, with wild-heaving breast; -Then, turning unto Oswald, spake again, -With softer voice: "But you--have you no pity? -You who are but God's servant--surely you -Have pity on my weakness. From this doom -Which overhangs me you must set me free. -You say I brought you life; but in me lies -For you--the priest of God--a death more deep -Than all the drowning fathoms of the sea. -I go, that you may live. If life indeed -I brought you, I was but the torch of God -To kindle the clear flame of your strong soul -To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas." -She ceased, with arms outstretched and lighted eyes. -As on some holy vision Oswald gazed -In rapt, adoring fear; nor spake, nor stirred. -Near, and yet nearer, drew the plash of oars; -And, turning in the boat, the brethren looked -With wondering eyes upon them, whispering: "Lo, -Some seraph-messenger of God most high -Tarries with Oswald. See the strange new peace -That burns his face like a white altar-flame. -Not yet must we draw near, lest our weak sight -Be blinded by that glory of gold hair -That gleams so strangely in the light of dawn." - - - - - The Unknown Knight - - -When purple gloomed the wintry ridge - Against the sunset's windy flame, -From pine-browed hills, along the bridge, - An unknown rider came. - -I watched him idly from the tower. - Though he nor looked nor raised his head; -I felt my life before him cower - In dumb, foreboding dread. - -I saw him to the portal win - Unchallenged, and no lackey stirred -To take his bridle when within - He strode without a word. - -Through all the house he passed unstayed, - Until he reached my father's door; -The hinge shrieked out like one afraid; - Then silence fell once more. - -All night I hear the chafing ice - Float, griding, down the swollen stream; -I lie fast-held in terror's vice, - Nor dare to think or dream. - -I only know the unknown knight - Keeps vigil by my father's bed: -Oh, who shall wake to see the light - Flame all the east with red? - - - - - The King's Death - - -_The sleeping-chamber of the King: a candle burns dimly by the curtained -bed. The arras parts, and two slaves enter with daggers. A storm of -wind rages without._ - -FIRST SLAVE: He sleeps. - -SECOND SLAVE: He sleeps, whom only death shall rouse -To dread unsleeping in another world. - -FIRST SLAVE: How long the careful night has kept him wakeful, -As if sleep loathed to snare him for our knives! - -SECOND SLAVE: Yea, we have crouched so close in quaking dark -I scarce can lift my sword-arm: strike you first. - -FIRST SLAVE: The heavy waiting hours have crushed my strength; -The hate that burst to such an eager flame -Within my heart has smouldered to dull ash, -Which pity breathes to scatter. - -SECOND SLAVE: Knows he pity? - -FIRST SLAVE: Nay, he is throned above his slaughtered kin, -A reeking sword his sceptre. He has broken, -As one across the knee a faggot snaps, -Strong lives to feed the blaze of his ambition; -Yet shall a slave's hand strike cold death in him -For whom kings sweat like slaves? - -SECOND SLAVE: Yea, at the stroke -One slave lies dead--a hundred kings are born; -For every man that breathes will be a king; -Vast empires, beaten-dust beneath his feet, -Will rise again and teem with kingly men, -When he, their death, is dead - -FIRST SLAVE: How still he sleeps! -The tempest shrieks to wake him, yet he slumbers. -As seas that foam against unyielding scars, -The mad wind storms the castle, wall and tower, -And is not spent. Hark, it has found a breach-- -Some latch unloosed--the house is full of wind; -It rushes, wailing, down the corridor; -It seeks the King; it cries on him to waken; -Now 'tis without, and shakes the rattling bolt; -Lo, it has broken in, in little gusts, -I feel it in my hair; 'twill lay cold fingers -Upon his lips, and start him from his sleep. -See, it has whipt the yellow flame to smoke. - -SECOND SLAVE: And now it fails; the heavy, hanging gold -That shelters him from night is all unstirred. - -FIRST SLAVE: Even the wind must pause. - -SECOND SLAVE: 'Twas but a breeze -To blow our sinking courage to clear fire. -Too long we loiter; soon the approaching day -Will take us, slaves who grasp the arms of men -Yet dare not plunge them save in our own breasts. -Come, let us strike! - -(_They approach the bed and draw aside the curtain._) - -FIRST SLAVE: The King--how still he sleeps! -Can majesty in such calm slumber lie? - -SECOND SLAVE: Come, falter not, strike home! - -FIRST SLAVE: Hold, hold your hand, -For death has stolen a march upon our hate; -He does not breathe. - -SECOND SLAVE: The stars have wrought for us, -And we are conquerors with unbloodied hands. - -FIRST SLAVE: Nay, nay, for in our thoughts his life was spilt; -While yet our bodies lagged in fettered fear, -Our shafted breath sped on and stabbed his sleep. -Oh, red for all the world, across our brows, -Our murderous thoughts have burned the brand of Cain. -See, through the window stares the pitiless day! - - - - - The Knight of the Wood - - -"I fear the Knight of the Wood," she said -"For him may no man overthrow. -Where boughs are matted thick o'erhead, -There gleams, amid the shadows dread, -The terror of his armour red; -And all men fear him, high and low; -Yet all must through the forest go." - -She paused awhile where larches flame -About the borders of the wood; -Then, crying loud on Love's high name -To keep her maiden-heart from shame, -She entered, and full-swiftly came -Where, hooded with a scarlet hood, -A rider in her pathway stood. - -She saw the gleam of armour red; -She saw the fiery pennon wave -Its flaming terror overhead -'Mid writhing boughs and shadows dread. -"Ah God," she cried: "that I were dead, -And laid for ever in my grave!" -Then, swooning, called on Love to save. - -Among the springing fern she fell, -And very nigh to death she lay; -Till, like the fading of a spell -At ringing of the matin-bell, -The darkness left her; by a well -She waked beneath the open day, -And rose to go upon her way; - -When, once again, the ruddy light -Of arms she saw, and turned to flee; -But clutching brambles stayed her flight; -While, marvelling, she saw the Knight -Unhooded; and his eyes were bright -With April colours of the sea; -And crowned as a King was he. - -She knelt before him in the ferns, -And sang: "O Lord of Love, I bow -Before thy shield, where blazoned burns -The flaming heart with light that turns -The night to day. O heart that yearns -For love, lo, Love before thee now-- -The wild-wood knight with crownd brow!" - - - - - Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrire - - -Above Thy halo's burning blue -For ever hovers the White Dove; -Thy heart enshrines, for ever new, -The Cross--the Crown of all Thy love; -While, sapphire wing on sapphire wing, -About Thee choiring angels swing -Gold censers, and bright candles bear. -Because I have no heart to sing, -I come to Thee with all my care, -_Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrire._ - -Because the sword hath pierced Thy side, -Thy brows are crowned with circling gold. -The woe of all the world doth hide -Within Thy mantle's azure fold. -Because Thou, too, hast dwelt with fears, -Through lingering days and endless years, -I find no comfort otherwhere, -Our Lady beautiful with tears, -Our Lady sorrowfully fair, -_Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrire._ - -My feet have travelled the hot road -Between the poppies' barren fires; -But now I cast aside the load -Of burning hopes and wild desires -That ever fierce and fiercer grew. -Thy peace falls like a falling dew -Upon me as I kneel in prayer, -Because Thou hast known sorrow, too, -Because Thou, too, hast known despair, -_Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrire._ - - - - - In the Valley - - -Love, take my hand, and look not with sad eyes -Through the valley-shades: for us, the mountains rise; -Beneath the cold, blue-cleaving peaks of snow -Like flame the April-blossomed almonds blow-- -Spring-grace and winter-glory intertwined -Within the glittering web that colour weaves. - -_Yet who are they who troop so close behind_ -_With raiment rustling like frost-withered leaves_ -_That burden winter-winds with ever-restless sighs?_ - -Love, look not back, nor ever hearken more -To murmuring shades; for us, the river-shore -Is lit with dew-hung daffodils that gleam -On either side the tawny, foaming stream -That bears through April with triumphal song -Dissolving winter to the brimming sea. - -_Yet who are they who, ever-whispering, throng,_ -_With lean, grey lips that shudder piteously,_ -_As if from some bright fruit of bitter-tasting core?_ - -Nay, look not back, for, lo, in trancd light -Love stays awhile his world-encircling flight -To wait our coming from the valley-ways; -See where, a hovering fire amid the blaze, -He pants aflame with irised plumes unfurled -Above the utmost pinnacle of noon. - -_Yet who are they who wander through the world_ -_Like weary clouds about a wintry moon,_ -_With wan, bewildered brows that bear eternal night?_ - -Love, look not back, nor fill thy heart with woe -Of old, sad loves that perished long ago; -For ever after living lovers tread -Pale, yearning ghosts of all earth's lovers dead. -A little while with life we lead the train -Ere we, too, follow, cold, some breathing love. - -_I fear their fevered eyes and hands that strain_ -_To snatch our joy that flutters bright above,_ -_To shadow with grey death its ruddy, pulsing glow._ - -Love, look not back in this life-crowning hour -When all our love breaks into perfect flower -Beneath the kindling heights of frozen time. -Come, Love, that we with happy haste may climb -Beyond the valley, and may chance to see -Some unknown peak that cleaves unfading skies. - -_Old sorrow saps my strength; I may not flee_ -_The flame of passionate hunger in their eyes;_ -_Beseeching shade on shade--they hold me in their power._ - -Love, look not back, for, all too brief, our day, -In wilder glories flameth fast away. -Lo, even now, the northern snow-ridge glows-- -With purple shadowed--from pale gold to rose -That shivers white beneath stars dawning cold. -Lift up thine eyes ere all the colour fades. - -_Ah, rainbow-plumd Love in airs of gold,_ -_Too late I turn, a shade among the shades._ -_To follow, death-enthralled, thy flight through ages grey._ - - - - - The Vision. - - - A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY. - -PERSONS: A YOUNG HERD. HIS MOTHER. -SCENE: THE QUEEN'S CRAGS. -TIME: CHRISTMAS EVE. - -_The herd stands at the foot of the Crags, gazing across the dark fells. -His mother enters._ - -MOTHER: Son, come home, nor tarry here -In this peril-haunted place. -My old heart is filled with fear -By the white flame of thy face, -And thine eyes whose restless fire -Burneth ever wild and clear -As red peats between the bars. -Son, come home; the night is cold; -Dropping from the wintry stars, -Tingling frost falls through the air; -See, the bents are white with rime; -All the sheep are in the fold; -All the cattle in the byre; -Only we, of live things, roam -O'er the fells so far from home; -E'en the red fox in his lair -Snuggles close to keep him warm; -And the lonely, wandering hare -Crouches, shivering, in her form; -While by Greenlea's frozen edge -Hides the mallard in the sedge. -Son, come home; the ingle-seat -Waits thee by the glowing peat, -And the door is off the latch. -Come, and we will feast and sing, -As of old at Christmas time, -Until thou wilt drowse and nod -And with slumber-drooping head -Gladly seek thy bracken-bed -Underneath the heather-thatch; -Where the healing sleep will bring -Unto thee the peace of God. -Son, come home! Whom seekest thou there? - -HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere! - -MOTHER: Cry no more on Guenevere. -Some wild warlock of the fells, -Born beneath the Devil's Scars, -Lures thee forth to drown thy soul -Deep in Broomlea-water cold. -Guenevere no longer dwells -Anywhere beneath the stars; -Though she walked these Crags of old, -Many hundred years ago, -Into earth she sank like snow; -As a sunset-cloud in rain -Breaks, and showers the thirsty plain, -All the glory of her hair -Fell to earth, we know not where. -Leave thy foolish quest forlorn. -Lo, to-night a King is born, -Who, when earthly kings at last -Into wildering night are passed, -Yet shall wear the crown of morn. - -Mary, Thou whose love may turn -Eyes that after evil burn, -Draw his soul, that strays so far, -To Thy Son's white throning-star. -Queen of Heaven, hear my prayer! - -HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere! - -MOTHER: Low she lies, and may not hear. -The white lily, Guenevere, -Ruthless time has trodden down; -Arthur is a tarnished crown, -High Gawain a broken spear, -Percival a riven shield; -They, who taught the world to yield, -Closed with death and lost the field, -Stricken by the last despair: -Launcelot is but a name -Blown about the winds of shame; -Surely God has quenched the flame -That burned men's souls for Guenevere. - -Mary, heed a mother's woe; -Mary, heed a mother's tears! -Thou, whose heart so long ago -Knew the pangs and hopes and fears -We poor mortal mothers know; -Thou, to whom, on Christmas-morn, -Christ, the Son of God, was born; -Thou whose mother-love hath pressed -The sweet Babe against thy breast; -And with wondering joy hath felt -The warm clutch of little hands, -When the Kings from far-off lands-- -Crowned with gold, in gold attire-- -With the simple shepherds knelt -'Mid the beasts within the byre; -Mary, if Thy heart, afraid, -When beyond Thy care he strayed, -Sometimes grieved that he must grow -Unlike other boys and men-- -Filled with dreams beyond Thy ken, -Anguished with diviner woe, -Pangs more fiery than Thy pain, -Deeper than Thy dark despair-- -From the perils of the night -Give me back my son again. -Thou, whose love may never fail, -Heed a lonely mother's prayer! -Come in all Thy healing might! - -_A sudden glory sweeps across the Fells. The vision appears in a cleft -of the Crags. The herd and his mother kneel before it._ - -MOTHER: Mary, Queen of Heaven, hail! - -HERD (_falling forward_): Guenevere! Guenevere! - - - - - THE THREE KINGS. - - - To C. J. S. - - - - The Three Kings - -PERSONS: KING GARLAND, KING ARLO, KING ASHALORN. - -SEA-VOICES, WAVE-VOICES, AND WIND-VOICES. - -SCENE: _A rock in the midst of the North Sea,_ -_whereon the three kings, bound naked by conquering_ -_sea-rovers, have been left to perish._ - -VOICE OF THE DAWN-WIND: Awaken, O sea, from thy starry dream; -Awaken, awaken! -For delight of thy slumber not one pale gleam -From dim star-clusters remaineth unshaken. -All night I have haunted the valleys and rivers; -Now hither I come-- -Ere, quickened with sunlight, the drowsy east quivers-- -To waken thy song, night-bewildered and dumb; -To stir thy grey waters, of starlight forsaken, -To loosen white foam in the red of the dawn. - -WAVE-VOICES: The sound of thy voice -Has broken our sleep; -All night we have waited thee, herald of light. -We arise, we rejoice -At thy bidding to leap, -And spray with our laughter the trail of the night. -All night we have waited thee, weary of stars-- -The little star-dreams, and the sleep without song; -The deep-brooding slumber of silence that holds -Our melody mute in the uttermost deep. -O Wind of the Dawn, we have waited thee long; -The sound of thy voice -Has broken our sleep; -We arise, we rejoice -At thy bidding to leap, -With a tumult of singing, a rapture of spray, -To scatter our joy in the path of the day. - -GARLAND: Day comes at last, beyond the sea's grey rim; -The young sun leaps in sudden might of gold. - -ASHALORN: Before his fire our lives will smoulder dim; -Like stars we shine, we fade; the tale is told, -And all our empty splendour put to scorn; -Fate leaves us, who were clothed in pride, forlorn, -To perish, naked, in this lonely sea. -But yesterday we ruled as kings of earth; -Frail men to-day; to-morrow, who shall be? - -ARLO: But yesterday my cup of life was filled -To overflowing with the wine of mirth-- -The plashing joy from fruitful years distilled. - -GARLAND: But yesterday my kinghood sprang to birth; -My fingers scarce had grasped the might new-born, -When from my clutch the glittering pomp was torn. - -SEA-VOICES: They slumber, they slumber, the kings in their pride. -The beak of the Rover is dipt in the tide; -The sails of the Rover are red in the wind; -And white is the trail of the foam flung behind. -They have fallen, have fallen, the kings in their pride; -Their sea-gates are forced by the rush of the tide; -Their splendour is scattered as surf on the wind; -And red is the trail of the terror behind. - -Forsaken, forlorn, -On a rock of the sea, -In anguish they bow, -And wait for the night and the darkness to be; -Oh, bright was the gold in their hair; -The sea-weed, in scorn, -Is twined in it now; -Oh, rich was their raiment and rare, -Blue, purple, and gold, -In fold upon fold; -Of glory and majesty shorn, -They are clothed with the wind of despair. - -GARLAND: Lo, the live waters run to greet the day: -Even so I laughed to see the soaring light; -My life was poised like yonder curving wave -To break in such bright revel of keen spray. - -ARLO: I counted not the years that took their flight, -Gold-crowned and singing; every hour I stood, -As one enchanted in an April wood, -In some new paradise of scent and flowers. -I counted not the countless, careless hours, -The days of rapture and the nights of peace. -How should I dream that such delight could pass, -Such colour fade, such flowing numbers cease, -My glory perish where was none to save, -And all my strength be trodden in the grass? - -ASHALORN: Oh, blest art thou who diest in thy youth; -Oh, blest art thou who failest in thy prime; -While yet thine eyes are full of wondering truth; -Ere yet thy feet have found the ways of thorn. -Too long I wandered down the vale of time, -A lonely wind, all songless and forlorn; -For I have found the empty heart of things, -The secret sorrow of the summer rose, -And all the sadness of the April green; -I know that every happy stream that springs -Into a sea of bitter memories flows; -I know the curse that God has set on kings-- -The solitary splendour and the crown -Of desolation, and the prisoning state; -The heart that yearns beneath the robe of gold, -The soul that starves behind the golden gate. -I know how chance has reared our earthly thrones -Upon a shifting wrack of whitened bones, -Of heroes fallen in the wars of old-- -By wind upbuilded and by wind cast down. - -SEA-VOICES: As foam on the edge of the waters of night, -They flicker and fall; -More brief than delight, -More frail than their tears, -They flicker and fall -In the tide of the years; -Awhile they may triumph, as lords of the earth, -With feasting and mirth, -Yet the winds and the waters shall sweep over all. - -VOICE OF THE WEST WIND: O wide-shifting wonder of sapphire and gold, -O wandering glory of emerald and white, -From the purple and green of the moorlands I come, -To sweep o'er thy waters with turbulent flight, -To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might; -I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam, -With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray; -To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold, -I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away. - -I have drunk the red wine of the heather, and swept -Over moorland and fell, for mile upon mile. -The little blue loughs were merry, and leapt, -With a shaking of laughter, in dim, dreaming hollows; -The little blue loughs were merry, and flung -Their spray on my wings as above them I swung; -I laughed to their laughter, and dallied awhile; -Then left them to sink in the silence that follows. - -In the forest I stirred, like the chant of thy tides, -The song of the boughs and the branches a-swinging; -The ashes and beeches and oak-trees were singing, -Like the noise of thy waters when dark tempest rides. -I swung on the crest of the pine-trees a-swaying, -As now on thy green, flowing surges, O sea; -I piped in my triumph, they danced to my playing; -I left them a-murmur, to hasten to thee. - -The white clouds were driven like ships through the air, -And grey flowed the shadows o'er sea-coloured bent, -And dark on the heathland, and dark on the wold: -But here on thy waters, where all things grow fair, -They shadow with purple thine emerald and gold. -My revel unbroken, my rapture unspent, -To thy far-shining wonder, O sea, I have come, -To sweep o'er thy splendour with turbulent flight; -To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might; -I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam, -With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray; -To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold, -I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away. - -GARLAND: There is no sadness in the world but death. -The years that whitened o'er thy head have taken -The colour from thy life, but still in me -The blood beats young and red; yea, still my breath -Is full of freshness as the wind that blows -Across the morning-fells when night has shaken -His cooling dews among the wakening heath. -Yea, now the wind that lashes o'er the sea -Stings all my quivering body to keen life -And whips the blood into my straining limbs; -And all the youth within me springs to fire; -I am consumed with ravening desire -For one brief, wild, delirious hour of strife; -I yearn for every joy that flies or swims, -Rides on the wind or with the water flows. -Yet I must die by patient, slow degrees, -With hourly wasting flesh and parching blood; -Ah God, that I might leap into the flood, -And perish struggling in the adventurous seas! - -ARLO: My mouth is filled with saltness, and I thirst -For forest-pools that bubble in the shade, -When loud the hot chase pants through every glade, -And fleeing fawns from every thicket burst; -Or clear wine vintaged when the world was young, -Gurgling from deep-mouthed jars of coloured stone. - -ASHALORN: The noonday burns my body to the bone, -And sets a coal of fire upon my tongue, -Between my lips, and stifles all my breath. -Oh come, thou only joy undying, death! - -WAVE-VOICES: O wind, that failing, failing, failing, dies, -Beneath the heat of August-laden skies, -Sinking in sleep, sinking in quiet sleep-- -Thy blue wings folded o'er our dreaming deep - -We too are weary, weary in the noon; -We too will fall in shining slumber soon-- -Foamless and still, foamless and very still, -Unstirred, unshaken by thy restless will. - -Yet there are eyes that cannot, cannot close, -And strong souls racked by fiery, rending woes-- -Never to rest, never to gather rest -By any stream of murmuring waters blest. - -But slumber falling, falling, on us lies, -Silent and deep, beneath noon-laden skies, -Silent and deep, silent and very deep, -With blue wings folded o'er our dreaming sleep. - - * * * * * - -VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: I have shaken the noon - from my wings, I arise -To quicken the flame in the western skies-- -To blow the clouds to a streaming flame, -Where the red sun sinks in the opal sea, -And red as the heart of the opal glows -His last wild gleam in the waters grey. -O grey-green waters, curling to rose, -The kings are glad of the dying day; -The kings are weary; the white mists close-- -The white mists gather to cover their shame. - -ASHALORN: The evening mist is dank upon my brow, -And cold upon my lips--yea, cold as death; -Yet, through the gloom, she gazes on me now, -As in our early-wedded days; her breath -Is warm once more upon my withered cheek. -O gaunt, grey lips, that strive but may not speak; -O cold, grey eyes, that flicker in the gloam-- -Long have we strayed; come, let us wander home! - -ARLO: Like lit September woodlands, streameth down -Her hair, beneath the circle of her crown; -Of rarer, redder glory than the cold -Dead metal that for ever strives to hold -The ever-straying wonder of live gold! -Like woodland pools, her eyes, a dreaming brown-- -Like woodland pools where autumn-splendours drown! -O red-gold tresses, shaking in the gloam, -Unto your light, unto your shade I come! - -GARLAND: Her eyes are azure as the wind-blown sea, -With deep sea-shadowings of grey and green; -And like an April storm her shining hair-- -Yea, all the glittering Aprils that have been, -And all the wondering Aprils yet to be, -Have stored their wealth of shower and sunshine there; -Yea, all the thousand, thousand springs of earth -New-lit and re-awakened at her birth, -In her sweet body glow and glimmer fair. -O wonder of sea-colours and white foam -And April glories, to thine arms I come! - -VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: The sun is gone, - and the last, red flame -Has faded away in a shimmer of rose-- -A shimmer of rose that shivers to grey. -The kings are glad of the dying day-- -The kings are weary; the white mists close, -The white mists gather to cover their shame. - - - - - THE SONGS OF QUEEN AVERLAINE. - - - To M. B. - - - -PERSONS: THE KING, - QUEEN AVERLAINE, - THE KNIGHT ARKELD. - - - I. - KING AND QUEEN. - - - 1. - -The day has come; at last my dream unfolds - White, wondering petals with the rising sun. -No other glade in Love's world-garden holds - So fair a bloom from vanquished winter won. - -Long, oh, so long I watched through budding hours, - And, trembling, feared my dream would never wake; -As, one by one, I saw star-tranced flowers - Out on the night their dewy splendour shake. - -But with the earliest gleam of dawn it stirred, - Knowing that Love had put the dark to flight; -And I must sing more glad than any bird - Because the sun has filled my dream with light. - - - 2. - -Is it high noon, already, in the land? -O Love, I dreamed that morn could never pass; -That we might ever wander, hand in hand, -As children in June-meadows plucking flowers, -Through ever-waking, fresh-unfolding hours: -Yet now we sink love-wearied in the grass; -Yea, it is noon, high noon in all the land. - -The young wind slumbers; all the little birds -That sang about us in the fields of morn -Are songless now; no happy flight of words -On Love's lip hovers--Love has waxed to noon. -Ah, God, if Love should wane to evening soon -To perish in a sunless world, forlorn, -And cease with the last song of weary birds! - - - 3. - -At dawn I gathered flowers of white, -To garland them for your delight. - -At noon I gathered flowers of blue, -To weave them into joy for you. - -At eve I gather purple flowers, -To strew above the withered hours. - - - 4. - -She knelt at eve beside the stream, -And, sighing, sang: "O waters clear, -Forsaken now of joy and fear, -I come to drown a withered dream. - -"Unseen of day, I let it fall -Within the shadow of my hair. -O little dream, that bloomed so fair, -The waters hide you after all!" - - - 5. - -"Is it not dawn?" she cried, and raised her head, -"Or hath the sun, grey-shrouded, yesternight, -Gone down with Love for ever to the dead? -When Love has perished, can there yet be light?" - -"Yea, it is dawn," one answered: "see the dew -Quivers agleam, and all the east is white; -While in the willow song begins anew." -"When Love has perished, can there yet be light?" - - - - II. - AVERLAINE AND ARKELD. - - - 1. - -ARKELD: Oh, why did you lift your eyes to mine? -Oh, why did you lift your drooping head? - -AVERLAINE: The tangled threads of the fates entwine -Our hearts that follow as children led. - -ARKELD: From the utmost ends of the earth we came, -As star moves starward through wildering night. - -AVERLAINE: Our souls have mingled as flame with flame, -Yea, they have mingled as light with light. - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between! - -ARKELD: The stars in their courses move through the sky -Unswerving, unheeding, cold and blind. - -AVERLAINE: Why did you linger nor pass me by -Where the cross-roads meet in the ways that wind? - -ARKELD: I saw your eyes from the dusk of your hair -Flame out with sorrow and yearning love. - -AVERLAINE: And I, who wandered with grey despair, -Looking up, saw heaven in blossom above. - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between! - -ARKELD: May we not go as we came, alone, -Unto the ends of the earth anew? - -AVERLAINE: May we draw afresh from the rose new-blown -The golden sunlight, the crystal dew? - -ARKELD: Yea, love between us has bloomed as a rose -Out of the desert under our feet. - -AVERLAINE: May we forget how the red heart glows, -Forget that the dew on the petals is sweet? - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between! - -ARKELD: Have the ages brought us together that we -Might tremble, start at shadows, and cry? - -AVERLAINE: Yea, it has been, and ever will be -Till Sorrow be slain or Love's self die. - -ARKELD: Stronger than Sorrow is Love; and Hate, -The brother of Love, shall end our Sorrow. - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow is strong with the strength of Fate, -And, slain, would rise from the grave to-morrow. - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow for ever between! - - - 2. - -AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and tear with ruthless hands -The golden web wherein, too late, Love strove -To weave us joy and bind us heart to heart. - -ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and strew on desert-sands -Petal by petal all the rose of Love, -And part for ever where the cross-ways part. - -AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and never turn our eyes -From strange horizons, desolate and far, -Though Love cry ever: "Turn but once, sad heart!" - -ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and under alien skies -Must follow after some cold, gleaming star, -And roam, as north and south winds roam, apart. - -AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, ere Love be grown too strong -And we too helpless to resist his might; -While each may go with pure, unshamed heart. - -ARKELD: Yea, we must part; and though we do Love wrong, -He will the more subdue us in our flight, -And hold us each more surely his, apart. - - - - III. QUEEN AVERLAINE. - - - 1. - -O love, I bade you go; and you have borne -The summer with you from the valley-lands; -The poppy-flame has perished from the corn; -And in the chill, wan light of early morn -The reapers come in doleful, starveling bands, -To bind the blackened sheaves with listless hands; -For rain has put their sowing-toil to scorn. - -O Love, I bade you go; and autumn brings -Bleak desolation; yet within my heart -Unquenched and fierce the flame you kindled springs; -For, echoing all day long, the courtyard rings -As loud it rang when, rending Love apart, -Your white horse cantered--swift and keen to start-- -Into a world of other queens and kings. - - - 2. - -I bade you go; ah, wherefore are you gone? -How could you leave me dark and desolate, -O Sun of Love, that for brief summer shone? -Mine eyes are ever on the western gate, -Half-wishing, half-foredreading your return. -Return, O Love, return! - -I cannot live without you; through the dark -I stretch blind hands to you across the world; -All day on unknown battle-fields I mark -Your sword's red course, your banner blue unfurled; -Yet never, in my day-dreams, you return. -Return, O Love, return! - -Nay, you are gone: O Love, I bade you go. -I would not have you come again to be -A stranger in this house of silent woe, -Where, being all, you would be naught to me. -Mine, mine in dreams, but lost if you return; -Oh, nevermore return! - - - 3. - -"To-day a wandering harper came -With outland tales of deeds of fame; -I hearkened from the noonday bright -Until the failing of the light, -The while he sang of joust and fight; -Yet never once I caught your name. - -Oh, whither, whither are you gone, -Whose name victorious ever shone -Above all knights of other lands? -Across what wilderness of sands? -By what dead sea-deserted strands? -On what far quest of Love forlorn? - -I loved you when men called you Lord -Arkeld, the never-sleeping sword; -Yet now, when all your might is furled, -And you no longer crest the world, -More are you mine than when you hurled -Destruction on the embattled horde. - - - 4. - -Oh, deeper in the silent house - The silence falls; -Only the stir of bat or mouse - About the walls. - -No cry, no voice in any room, - No gust of breath; -As if, within the clutch of doom, - We waited death. - - - 5. - -The King is dead; - No longer now -The cold eyes gleam - Beneath his brow. - -O cold, grey eyes, - Wherein the light -Of Love at dawn - Seemed clear and bright, - -No true Love burned - Your cold desire, -Which mirrored but - My own heart's fire. - - - 6. - -The King died yesterday.... Ah, no, he died - When young Love perished long, so long ago; -And on his throne, as marble at my side, - Has reigned a carven image, cold as snow, -Though all men bowed before it, crying: "King!" - -Too late, too late the chains which held me fall; - Rock-bound, I bade the victor-knight go by; -And now, when time has loosed me from the thrall, - I know not where he tarries, 'neath what sky -He waits the winter's end, the dawn of spring. - - - 7. - -Spring comes no more for me: though young March blow -To flame the larches, and from tree to tree -The green fire leap, till all the woodlands glow-- -Though every runnel, filled to overflow, -Bear sea-ward, loud and brown with melted snow, -Spring comes no more for me! - -Spring comes no more for me: though April light -The flame of gorse above the peacock sea; -Though in an interweaving mesh of white -The seagulls hover 'neath the cliff's sheer height; -Though, hour by hour, new joys are winged for flight, -Spring comes no more for me! - -Spring comes no more for me: though May will shake -White flame of hawthorn over all the lea, -Till every thick-set hedge and tangled brake -Puts on fresh flower of beauty for her sake; -Though all the world from winter-sleep awake, -Spring comes no more for me! - - - 8. - -I wandered through the city till I came - Within the vast cathedral, cool and dim; -I looked upon the windows all aflame - With blazoned knights and saints and seraphim. - -I looked on kings in purple, gold and blue, - On martyrs high before whom all men bow; -Until a gleam of light my footsteps drew - Before a shining seraph, on whose brow - -A little flame, for ever pure and white, - Unwavering burns--the symbol of our love; -And as I knelt before him in the night, - He looked, compassionate, on me from above. - - - 9. - -I heard a harper 'neath the castle walls -Sing, for night-shelter in the house of thralls, -A song of hapless lovers; in the shade -I paused awhile, unseen of man or maid. - -Taking his harp, he touched the moaning strings, -And sang of queens unloved and loveless kings; -His song shot through my fluttering heart like flame -Till, wondering, I heard him breathe your name. - -Oh, then I knew how all the deathless wrong -Time wrought of old is but a harper's song; -And all the hopeless sorrow of long years -An idle tale to win a stranger's tears. - -Yea, in the song of Love's immortal dead -Our love was told; with shuddering heart I fled, -And strove to pass upon my way unseen, -But song was hushed with whispers: "Lo, the Queen!" - - - 10. - -Was it for this we loved, O Time, to be -Among Love's deathless through eternity, -Set high on lone, divided peaks above -The sheltered summer-valley, broad and green? -Was it for this our joy and grief have been, -Our barren day-dreams, dream-deserted nights-- -That valley-lovers, looking up, might see -How vain is Love among the starry heights, -And, loving, sigh: "How vain a thing is Love!"? - -O Love, that we had found thee in the shade -Where, all day long, the deep, leaf-hidden glade -Hears but the moan of some forsaken dove, -Or the clear song of happy, nameless streams; -Where, all night long, the August moonlight gleams -Through warm, green dusk, no longer cold and white! -O Love, that we had found thee, unafraid, -One summer morn, and followed thee till night, -As unknown valley-lovers follow Love! - - - 11. - -I have grown old, awaiting spring's return, - And, now spring comes, I stand like winter grey -In a young world; yet warm within me burn - The morning-fires Love kindled in youth's day. - -I have grown old; the young folk look on me - With sighs, and wonder that I once was fair, -And whisper one another: "Is this she? - Did summer ever light that winter hair? - -"Ah, she is old; yet, she, too, once was young: - Yea, loved as we love even, for men tell -How bright her beauty burned on every tongue, - And how a knightly stranger loved her well. - -"Yet Love grows old that beats so young and warm; - His leaping fires in dust and ashes fail; -Shall we, too, wither in the winter-storm, - And wander thus one April, old and frail?" - -Love grows not old, O lovers, though youth die, - And bodily beauty perish as the flower; -Though all things fail, though spring and summer fly, - Love's fire burns quenchless till the last dark hour. - - - 12. - -O valley-lovers, think you love, -Being all of joy, knows naught of sorrow? -A day, a night -Of swift delight -That fears no dread, grey-dawning morrow? - -O valley-lovers, think you love -Knows only laughter, naught of weeping? -A rose-red fire -Of warm desire -For ever burning, never sleeping? - -O lovers, little know ye Love. -Love is a flame that feeds on sorrow-- -A lone star bright -Through endless night -That waits a never-dawning morrow. - - - 13. - -"Thus would I sing of life, -Ere I must yield my breath: -Though broken in the strife, -I sought not after death. -Though ruthless years have scourged -My soul with sorrow's brands, -And, day by day, have urged -My feet o'er desert-sands; -Yet would I rather tread -Again the bitter trail, -Than lie, calm-browed and pale, -Among the loveless dead. - -No pang would I forego, -No stab of suffering, -No agony of woe, -If I to life might cling; -If I might follow still, -For evermore, afar, -O'er barren dale and hill, -My Love's unfading star. -Yea, now, with failing breath, -Thus would I sing of life: -Though broken in the strife, -I sought not after death. - - - 14. - -Darkness has come upon me in the end; -Darkness has come upon me like a friend, -Yet undesired; why comest thou, O night, -To seal mine eyes for ever from the light? - -Darkness has come upon me; yet a star -Burns through the night and beckons me from far. -Look up, O eyes, unfaltering, without fear; -O morning-star of Love, the dawn is near! - - - - - THE GOLDEN HELM. - - - - The Golden Helm - - - I. - -Across his stripling shoulders Geoffrey felt -The knighting-sword fall lightly, and he heard -The King's voice bid him rise; and at the word -He rose, new-flushed with knighthood, swiftly grown -To sudden manhood, though, but now, he knelt -A vigil-wearied squire before the throne. -He paused one moment while the people turned -To look on him with eyes that kindled bright, -Seeing his face aglow with strange, new light; -Yet them he saw not where they watched amazed, -And, though like azure flames Queen Hild's eyes burned, -Beyond the shadow of the throne he gazed -To where, in kindred rapture, young Christine -Stood, tremulous and white, in wind-flower grace-- -Beneath her thick, dark hair, her happy face -Pale-gleaming 'midst the ruddy maiden-throng; -But, following Geoffrey's eyes, the trembling Queen -Now bade the harpers rouse the air with song: -From pulsing throat and silver-throbbing string -The music soared, light-winged, and, fluttering, fell; -When, startled as one waking from a spell, -Geoffrey stepped back among the waiting knights; -While knelt another squire before the King. -In Queen Hild's eyes yet hovered stormy lights, -Beneath her glooming brows, as waters gleam -Under snow-laden skies; the summer day -For her in that brief glance had shivered grey, -Empty of light and song. She only heard -The King and knights as people of a dream; -Yet keenly Geoffrey's lightest, laughing word -Stung to the quick, and stabbed her quivering life, -Till from each shuddering wound the red joy flowed; -And, though a ruddy fire on each cheek glowed, -She felt her draind heart within her cold; -Then all at once a hot thought stirred new strife -Within her breast, and suddenly grown old -And wise in treacherous imagining, -She pressed her thin lips to a bitter smile, -And strove with laughing mask to hide the guile -That, slowly welling, through her body poured -Cold-blooded life that feels no arrowy sting -Of joy or hope, nor thrust of pity's sword. -To Christine, where she yet enraptured stood, -Hild, turning, spake kind words, and coldly praised -The new-made knight. Each word Christine amazed -Drank in with joyous heart and eager ears; -To her it seemed ne'er lived a Queen so good; -And love's swift rapture filled her eyes with tears. -For her true heart, the day-long pageant moved -Round Geoffrey's shining presence; king and knight -But shone for her with pale, reflected light. -As trancd planets circling round the sun, -About the radiant head of her beloved -The dim throngs moved until the day was done. -When lucent gold suffused the cloudless west, -And lingering thrush-notes failed in drowsy song, -She left, at last, the weary maiden-throng, -To stray alone through dew-hung garden-glades; -And all the love unsealed within her breast -Flowed out from her to light the darkest shades. -Her quivering maiden-body could not hold -The sudden welling of love's loosened flood; -Through all her limbs it gushed, and in her blood -It stormed each throbbing pulse with blissful ache; -It seemed to spray the utmost glooms with gold, -And scatter glistening dews in every brake. -While yet she moved in rapture unafraid -Among the lilies, down the Grey Nun's Walk, -She heard behind the snapping of a stalk, -And stayed transfixed, nor dared to turn her head, -But stood a solitary, trembling maid-- -Forlorn and frail, with all her courage fled. -Thus Geoffrey found her as, hot-foot, he pressed -To pour about her all the glowing tide -Day-pent within his heart; the flood-gates wide, -His love swept over her, sea after sea, -Until life almost swooned within her breast, -And she seemed like to drown in ecstasy. -Yet, as the tempest sank in calm at last, -She rose from out the foam of love, new-born-- -As Venus from the irised surf of morn-- -To such triumphant beauty, Geoffrey, thralled, -Before her stood in wonder rooted fast; -Even his love within him bowed appalled -In tongueless worship as he gazed on her; -While, lily-like, the trancd flowers among, -She stood, love-radiant, and above her hung -The canopy of star-enkindling night; -Though, when again she moved with joyous stir, -He sprang to her in love's unchallenged might. - - - II. - -All night, beside her slumbering lord, the Queen -Tossed sleepless--every aching sense astrain -With tingling wakefulness that racked like pain -Her weary limbs; all night, in wide-eyed dread, -She watched the slow hours moving dark between -The glimmering window and the curtained bed. -The fitful calling of the owl, all night, -Struck like the voice of terror on her ears; -With brushing wings, about her taloned fears -Fluttered till dawn: when, as the summer gloom, -Grey-quivering, spilt in silver-showering light, -She rose and stood within the dawning room, -Shivering and pale--her long, unbraided hair -Each moment quickening to a livelier gold -About her snowy shoulders; yet, more cold -Than the still gleam of winter-frozen meres, -Her blue eyes shone with strange, unseeing stare, -As though they sought to pierce some mist of fears; -And, when she turned, the old familiar things -Unknown and alien seemed to her sight-- -Outworn and faded in the morning light -The rose-embroidered tapestries, and frail -The painted Love that hung on irised wings -Above the sleeping King. Dark-browed and pale -She looked upon her lord, and fresh despair -With dreadful calm through all her being stole, -And froze with icy breath the flickering soul -That strove within her. Evil courage steeled -Her heart once more, as, combing back her hair, -She watched the waking world of wood and field: -Hay-harvesters with long scythes flashing white; -The dewy-browsing deer; the blue smoke-curl -Above some woodland hut; a kerchiefed girl -Driving the kine afield with loitering pace. -But, as a youthful rider came in sight, -She from the casement turned with darkening face, -And looked not out again, and fiercely pressed -Her white teeth in her quivering underlip, -To stifle the wild cry that strove to slip -From her strained throat; with clutching hands she sought -To stay the throbbing tumult of her breast -That fluttered like a bird in meshes caught. - -Christine as yet in dreamless slumber lay -Within her turret-chamber; but a bird -Within the laurel singing softly stirred -Her eyes to wakeful life, and from her bed -She rose and stood within the light of day, -White-faced and wondering, with lifted head. -As April-butterflies, new-winged for flight, -That poise awhile in quivering amaze, -Ere they may dare the unknown, glittering ways -Of perilous airs--upon the brink of morn -She paused one moment in the showering light, -In radiant ecstasy of youth forlorn. -Then swift remembrance flushed her virgin snow, -And wakened in her eyes the living fire; -With joyous haste she drew her bright attire -About her trembling limbs, with eager hands, -Veiling her maiden beauty's morning glow, -Before she looked abroad on meadowlands, -Where Geoffrey rode at dawn. Across the blaze -Of dandelions silvering to seed, -She saw his white horse swing with easy speed; -He rode with head exultant in the breeze -That lifted his brown hair. With lingering gaze -She watched him vanish down an aisle of trees; -Then, swiftly gathering her dark hair in braids -Above her slender neck, she crossed the floor -With noiseless step, unlatched the creaking door, -And stole in trembling silence down the stair, -Intent to reach the garden ere the maids -Should come with chattering tongues and laughter there; -When by her side she heard a rustling stir: -The arras parted, and before her stood -Queen Hild in proud, imperious womanhood, -Looking upon her with cold, smiling eyes. -In startled wonder Christine glanced at her. -Then spake the Queen: "Do maids thus early rise -To tend their household duties, or to feed -The doves, relinquishing sleep's precious hours -To see the morning dew upon the flowers -And what frail blooms have perished 'neath the moon? -To reach the Grey Nun's Walk, mayhap you speed-- -To count the stricken buds of lilies strewn -O'ernight upon the soil by careless feet -That wandered there so late? Yea, now I know, -Christine, because you flush and tremble so. -Yet look you not on me with eyes that burn; -I would not stay you when you go to greet -The rider of the dawn on his return. -Think you I leave my bed at break of day-- -I, Hild the Queen--to thwart a lover's kiss? -Think you my love of you could stoop to this, -Though you would wed a fledgling, deedless Knight? -Nay, shrink you not from me, turn not away; -Because my heart has never known love's light, -I fain would hear your happy tale of love, -That I may prosper you and your fair youth. -Will you not trust me?" Blind with love's glad truth, -Christine sank down within Hild's outstretched arms. -Speechless, awhile, with sobbing breath she strove; -Then poured out all the tale of love's alarms, -Raptures, despairs, and deathless ecstasies, -In one quick torrent from her brimming heart; -Then, quaking, ceased, and drew herself apart, -Dismayed that she so easily had revealed -To this white, cold-eyed Queen love's sanctities. -Yet Hild moved not, but stood, with hard lips sealed, -Until, the chiming of the turret-bell -Recalling her, she spake with far-off voice: -"I, loveless, in your innocent love rejoice. -May nothing stem its eager raptured course! -Oh, that my barren heart could love so well, -And feel the surge of love's subduing force! -Yet even I from out my dearth may give -To you, Christine. Would you that Geoffrey's name -Shall shine, unchallenged, on the lists of fame? -If you would have him win for you the crown -Of knightly immortality, and live -Triumphant on men's tongues in high renown, -Follow me now." With cold, exulting eyes -She raised the arras, opening to the light -An unknown stair-way clambering into night. -Within the caverned wall she swiftly passed. -Christine for one brief moment in surprise -Uncertain paused; then, wondering, followed fast. -The falling arras shutting out the day, -She stumbled blindly through the soaring gloom-- -Enclosing dank and chilly as the tomb -Her panting life; and unto her it seemed -That ever, as she climbed, more sheer the way -Before her rose, and ever fainter gleamed -The wan, white star of light that overhead -Hovered remote. Far up the stair she heard -A silken rustling as, without a word, -Relentlessly Queen Hild before her sped -For ever up the ever-soaring steep. -But when it almost seemed that she must fall-- -So loudly in her ears the pulses beat, -And each step seemed to sink beneath her feet-- -She heard the shrilly grating of a key, -And saw, above her, in the unseen wall, -A dazzling square of day break suddenly. -Within the lighted doorway Queen Hild turned -To reach a helping hand, and, as she bent -To clutch the swooning maiden, well-nigh spent, -And drew her to the chamber, weak and faint, -Through her gold hair so rare a lustre burned, -It seemed to Christine that an aureoled saint -Leaned out from heaven to snatch her from the deep. -Then, dizzily, she sank upon the floor, -Dreaming that toil was over evermore, -And she secure in Love's celestial fold; -Till, waking gradually as from a sleep, -Her dark eyes opened on a blaze of gold. -She sat within a chamber hung around -With glistering tapestry, whereon a knight, -Who bore a golden helm above the fight, -For ever triumphed o'er assailing swords, -Or led the greenwood chase with horse and hound, -While far behind him lagged the dames and lords -And all the hunting train; till he, at length, -Brought low the antlered quarry on the brink -Of some deep, craggy cleft, wherefrom did shrink -The quailing hounds with lathered flanks aquake. -As Christine looked on them, her maiden-strength -Returned to her; and now, more broad awake, -She saw, within the centre of the room, -A golden table whereon glittered bright -A casket of wrought gold, and, in the light, -Queen Hild, awaiting her, with smiling lips, -And laughing words: "Is this then love's sad doom, -To perish, fainting, in light's brief eclipse -Between a curtain and a closed door? -Shall this bright casket ever hold, unsought, -The golden helm--in elfin-ages wrought -For some star-destined knight--because love's heart -Grows faint within her? Shall the world no more -Acclaim its helmd lord?" But, with a start, -Christine arose, and swiftly forward came -With eager eyes, and stooped with fluttering breast-- -Her slender, shapely hands together pressed -In tense expectancy, and all her face -With quivering light of wondering love aflame. -The Queen bent down, and in a breathing space -Unlocked the casket with a golden key, -And deftly loosed a little golden pin; -The heavy lid swung open and, within, -To Christine's eyes revealed the golden helm. -Then spake Queen Hild, once more: "Your love-gift see! -Think you that any smith in all the realm -Can beat dull metal to so fair a casque? -In jewelled caverns of enchantment old -This helm was wrought of magic-tempered gold -To yieldless strength, by elfin-hammers chased, -That toiled unwearied at their age-long task, -And over it an unknown legend traced -In letters of some world-forgotten tongue. -At noon, with careful footing, down the stair -Unto the hall the casket you must bear, -When King and knight are gathered round the board, -And, ere the tales be told or songs be sung, -Acclaim your love the golden-helmed lord." -Christine, awhile, in speechless wonderment, -Hung o'er the glistering helm, and silence fell -Within the arrased chamber like a spell; -While softly, on some distant, sunlit roof, -The basking pigeons cooed with deep content; -Till, far below, a sudden-clanging hoof -Startled the morn. The women's lifted eyes -One moment met in kindred ecstasy; -Then Hild, with hopeless shudder, shaking free, -With strained voice spake: "Why do you longer wait? -Your love returns; shall he, in sad surprise, -Find no glad face to greet him at the gate?" - - - III. - -As some new jest was tossed from tongue to tongue, -Light laughter rippled round the midday board, -Beneath the bannered rafters: dame and lord -And maid and squire with merry chattering -Sat feasting; though no motley humour wrung -A smile from Hild, where she, beside the King, -Watched pale and still. She saw on Geoffrey's face -Grave wonder that he caught not anywhere -Among the maids the dusk of Christine's hair, -Or sunlight of her glance. His eyes, between -The curtained doorway and her empty place, -Kept eager, anxious vigil for Christine. -But when, at last, the lingering meal nigh o'er, -The waking harp-notes trembled through the hush, -Like the light, fitful prelude of the thrush -Ere his full song enchant the domd elm; -The arras parting, through the open door -She came. Before her borne, the golden helm -Within the dim-lit hall shone out so bright, -That lord and dame in rustling wonder rose, -And squire and maiden sought to gather close, -With questioning lips, about the love-bright maid. -Christine, unheeding, turned nor left nor right; -With lifted head and eager step unstayed, -She strode to Geoffrey, while he stood alone, -Radiant with wondering love--as one who sees -The light of high, eternal mysteries -Illume awhile the mortal shade that moves -From out oblivion unto night unknown, -Hugging a little grace of joys and loves. -Before him now she came and, kneeling, spake, -With slow, clear-welling voice: "In ages old -This helm was wrought from elfin-hammered gold, -For one who, in the after-days, should be -Supreme above his kind, as, in the brake -Of branching fern, the solitary tree -That crests the fell-top. Unto you I bring -The gift of destiny, that, as the sun -New-risen of your knighthood, newly-won, -The wondering world may see its glory shine." -As Christine spake, with questioning glance the King -Turned to the Queen, who gave no answering sign. -Then, stretching forth his arm, he cried: "Sir knight, -I know not by what evil chance this maid -Has climbed the secret newell-stair unstayed -And reached the casket-chamber, and has borne -From thence the Helm of Strife, whereon the light -Of day has never fallen, night or morn, -For seven hundred years; but, ere you take -The doomful gift, know this: he who shall dare -To don the golden helm must ever fare -Upon the edge of peril, ever ride -Between dark-ambushed dangers, ever wake -Unto the thunderous crash of battle-tide. -Oh, pause before you take the fateful helm. -Will you, so young, forego, for evermore, -The sheltered haven-raptures of the shore, -To strive in ceaseless tempest, till, at last, -The fury-crested wave shall overwhelm -Your broken life on death's dark crag upcast?" -He ceased, and stood with eyes of hot appeal; -An aching silence shuddered through the hall; -None stirred nor spake, though, swaying like to fall, -Christine, in mute, imploring agony, -Wavered nigh death. As glittering points of steel -Queen Hild's eyes gleamed in bitter victory. -But all were turned to Geoffrey, where he stood -In pillared might of manhood, very fair; -His face a little paled beneath his hair, -Though bright his eyes with all the light of day. -At length he spake: "For evil or for good, -I take the Helm of Strife; let come what may." - - - IV. - -Dawn shivered coldly through the meadowlands; -The ever-trembling aspens by the stream -Quivered with chilly light and fitful gleam; -Ruffling the heavy foliage of the plane, -Until the leaves turned, like pale, lifted hands, -A cold gust stirred with presage of near rain. -Coldly the light on Geoffrey's hauberk fell; -But yet more cold on Christine's heart there lay -The winter-clutch of grief, as, far away, -She saw him ride, and in the stirrup rise -And, turning, wave to her a last farewell. -Beyond the ridge he vanished, and her eyes -Caught the far flashing of the helm of gold -One moment as it glanced with mocking light; -Then naught but tossing pine-trees filled her sight. -Yet darker gloomed the woodlands 'neath the drench -Of pillared showers; colder and yet more cold -Her heart had shuddered since the last, hot wrench -Of parting overnight. Though still her mouth -Felt the mute impress of love's sacred seal; -Though still through all her senses seemed to steal -The heavy fume of wound-wort that had hung -All night about the hedgerows--parched with drouth; -Though the first notes the missel-cock had sung, -Ere darkness fled, resounded in her ears; -Yet no hot tempest of tumultuous woe -Shook her young body. As night-fallen snow -Burdens with numb despair young April's green, -Her sorrow lay upon her; hopes and fears -Within her slept. As something vaguely seen -Nor realised--since yesterday's dread noon -Had shattered all love's triumph--life had passed -About her like a dream by doom o'ercast. -Long hours she sat, with silent, folded hands, -And face that glimmered like a winter moon -In cloudy hair. Across the rain-grey lands -She gazed with eyes unseeing; till she heard -A step within her chamber, and her name -Fell dully on her ear; then like a flame -Sharp anguish shot through every aching limb -With keen remembrance. Suddenly she stirred, -And, turning, looked on Hild. "Grieve you for him..." -The Queen began; then, with a little gasp, -Her voice failed, and she shrank before the gaze -Of Christine's eyes, and, shrivelled by the blaze -Of fires her hand had kindled, all her pride -Fell shredded, and not even the gold clasp -Of queenhood held, her naked deed to hide. -She quailed, and, turning, fled from out the room. -Soon Christine's wrath was drowned in whelming grief, -And in the fall of tears she found relief-- -As brooding skies in sweet release of rain. -All day she wept, until, at length, the gloom -Of eve laid soothing hands upon her pain. -Then, once again, she rose, calm-browed, and sped -Downstairs with silent step, and reached, unstayed, -The Grey Nun's Walk, where all alone a maid -Drank in the rain-cooled air. With low-breathed words, -They whispered long together, while, o'erhead, -From rain-wet branches rang the song of birds. -The maiden often paused as in alarm; -Then, with uncertain, half-delaying pace, -She left Christine, returning in a space -With Philip, Christine's brother, a young squire, -Who strode by her with careless, swinging arm -And eager face, with keen, blue eyes afire. -Then all three stood, with whispering heads bent low, -In eager converse clustered; till, at last, -They parted, and, with high hopes beating fast, -Christine unto her turret-room returned-- -Her dark eyes bright and all her face aglow, -As if some new-lit rapture in her burned. -About her little chamber swift she moved, -Until, at length, in travelling array, -She paused to rest, and all-impatient lay -Upon her snow-white bed, and watched the light -Fail from the lilied arras that she loved -Because her hand had wrought each petal white -And slender, emerald stem. The falling night -Was lit for her with many a memory -Of little things she could no longer see, -That had been with her in old, happy hours, -Before her girlish joys had taken flight -As morning dews from noon-unfolding flowers. -For her, with laggard pace the minutes trailed, -Till night seemed to eternity outdrawn. -At last, an hour before the summer-dawn, -She rose and once again, with noiseless tread, -Crept down the stair, grey-cloaked and closely veiled, -While every shadow struck her cold with dread -Lest, drawing back the arras, Hild should stand -With mocking smile before her; but, unstayed, -She reached the stair-foot, and, no more afraid, -She sought a low and shadow-hidden door, -Slid back the silent bolts with eager hand, -And stepped into the garden dim once more. -She quickly crossed a dewy-plashing lawn, -And, passing through a little wicket-gate, -She reached the road. Not long had she to wait -Ere, with two bridled horses, Philip came. -Silent they mounted; far they fared ere dawn -Burnished the castle-weathercock to flame. - - - V. - -Northward they climbed from out the valley mist; -Northward they crossed the sun-enchanted fells; -Northward they plunged down deep, fern-hidden dells; -And northward yet--until the sapphire noon -Had burned and glowed to thunderous amethyst -Of evening skies about an opal moon; -Northward they followed fast the loud-tongued fame -Of young Sir Geoffrey of the golden helm; -Until it seemed that storm must overwhelm -Their weary flight. They sought a lodging-place, -And soon upon a lonely cell they came -Wherein a hermit laboured after grace. -On beds of withered bracken, soft and warm, -He housed them, and himself, all night, alone, -Knelt in long vigil on the aching stone, -Within his little chapel, though, all night, -His prayers were drowned by thunders of the storm, -And all about him flashed blue, pulsing light. -Christine in calm, undreaming slumber lay, -Nor stirred till, clear and glittering, the morn -Sang through the forest; though, with roots uptorn, -The mightiest-limbed and highest-soaring oak -Had fallen charred, with green leaves shrivelled grey. -At tinkling of the matin-bell she woke, -And soon with Philip left the woodland boughs -For barer uplands. Over tawny bent -And purpling heath they rode till day was spent; -When, down within a broad, green-dusking dale, -They sought the shelter of the holy house -Of God's White Sisters of the Virgin's Veil. -So, day by day, they ever northward pressed, -Until they left the lands of peace behind, -And rode among the border-hills, where blind -Insatiate warfare ever rages fierce; -Where night-winds ever fan a fiery crest, -And dawn's light breaks on bright, embattled spears: -A land whose barren hills are helmed with towers; -A lone, grey land of battle-wasted shires; -A land of blackened barns and empty byres; -A land of rock-bound holds and robber-hordes, -Of slumberous noons and wakeful midnight hours, -Of ambushed dark and moonlight flashing swords. -With hand on hilt and ever-kindling eyes, -Flushed face and quivering nostril, Philip rode; -But nought assailed them; every lone abode -Forsaken seemed; all empty lay the land -Beneath the empty sky; only the cries -Of plovers pierced the blue on either hand; -Until, at sudden cresting of a hill, -The clang of battle sounded on their ears, -And, far below, they saw a surge of spears -Crash on unyielding ranks; while, from the sea -Of striving steel, with deathly singing shrill, -A spray of arrows flickered fitfully. -Amazed they stood, wide-eyed, with holden breath; -When, of a sudden, flashed upon their sight -The golden helm in midmost of the fight, -Where, with high-lifted head and undismayed, -Sir Geoffrey rode, a very lord of death, -With ever-leaping, ever-crashing blade. -Christine watched long, now cold with quaking dread, -Now hot with hope as each assailant fell; -The bright sword held her gaze as by a spell; -Because love blinded her to all but love, -Unmoved she watched the foemen shudder dead, -She whose heart erst the meanest woe could move. -Then, dazed, she saw a solitary shaft, -Unloosed with certain aim from out the bow, -Strike clean through Geoffrey's hauberk, and bring low -The golden helm, while o'er him swiftly met -The tides of fight. Christine a little laughed -With rattling throat, and stood with still eyes set. -Scarce Philip dared to raise his eyes to hers -To see the terror there. No word she spake, -But leaned a little forward through the brake -That bloomed about her in a golden blaze; -Her hands were torn to bleeding by the furze, -Yet nothing could disturb that dreadful gaze. -Then, gradually, the heaving battle swerved -To northward, faltering broken, and afar -It closed again, where, round a jutting scar, -The flashing torrent of the river curved. -With eager step Christine ran down the hill, -And sped across the late-forsaken field -To where, with shattered sword and splintered shield, -Among the mounded bodies Geoffrey lay. -She loosed his helm, but deathly pale and still -His young face gleamed within the light of day. -Christine beside him knelt, as Philip sought -A draught of water from the peat-born stream; -When, in his eyes, at last, a fitful gleam -Flickered, and bending low, with straining ears, -The laboured breathing of her name she caught; -And over his dead face fell fast her tears. -Once more towards them the tide of battle swept; -Christine moved not. Young Philip on her cried, -And strove, in vain, to draw her safe aside. -A random shaft in her unshielded breast-- -Though hot to stay its course her brother leapt-- -Struck quivering, and she slowly sank to rest. - - - VI. - -Queen Hild sat weaving in her garden-close, -When on her startled ear there fell the news -Of Christine's flight before the darkling dews -Had thrilled with dawn. A strand of golden thread -Slipped from her trembling fingers as she rose -And hastened to the castle with drooped head. -All morn she paced within her blinded room, -Unresting, to and fro, her white hands clenched; -All morn within her tearless eyes, unquenched, -Blue fires of anger smouldered, yet no moan -Escaped her lips. Without, in summer bloom, -The garden murmured with bliss-burdened drone -Of hover-flies and lily-charmed bees; -Sometimes a finch lit on the window-ledge, -With shrilly pipe, or, from the rose-hung hedge, -A blackbird fluted; yet she neither heard -Nor heeded aught; until, by rich degrees, -Drowsed into noon the noise of bee and bird. -Yea, even when, without her chamber, stayed -A doubtful step, and timid fingers knocked, -She answered not, but, swiftly striding, locked -Yet more secure, with angry-clicking key, -The bolted door, and the affrighted maid -Unto the waiting hall fled, fearfully. -Wearied at last, upon her bed Queen Hild -In fitful slumber sank; but evil dreams -Of battle-stricken lands and blood-red streams -Swirled through her brain. Then, suddenly, she woke, -Wide-eyed, and sat upright, with body chilled, -Though in her throat the hot air seemed to choke. -Swiftly she rose; then, binding her loosed hair, -She bathed her throbbing brows, and, cold and calm, -Downstairs she glided, while the evening-psalm -In maiden-voices quavered, faint and sweet, -And from the chapel-tower, through quivering air, -The bell's clear silver-tinkling clove the heat. -She strode into the hall where yet the King -Sat with his knights; a weary minstrel stirred -Cool, throbbing wood-notes, throated like a bird, -From his soft-stringd lute. With scornful eyes -Hild looked on them and spake: "Can nothing sting -Your slumberous hearts from slothful peace to rise? -Must only stripling-knights and maidens ride -To battle, where, unceasing, foemen wage -War on your marches, and your wardens rage -In impotent despair with desperate swords, -While you, O King, with sheathd arms abide?" -She paused, and, wondering, the King and lords -Looked on her mutely; then, again, she spake: -"Shall I, then, and my maidens sally forth -With battle-brands to conquer the wild north? -Yea, I will go! Who follows after me?" -As by a blow struck suddenly awake, -The King leapt up, and, like a clamorous sea, -The knights about him. Scornfully the Queen -Looked on them: "So my woman's words have roused -The hands that slumbered and the hearts that drowsed. -Make ready then for battle; ere seven days -Have passed, the dawn must light your armour's sheen, -And in the sun your pennoned lances blaze." -Her voice ceased; and a pulsing flame of light -Flashed through the hall; in crashing thunder broke -The heavy, hanging heat; the rafters woke -In echo as the rainy torrent poured; -Bright gleamed the rapid lightning; yet more bright -The war-lust kindled hot in every lord. -To clang of armour the seventh morning stirred -From slumber; restless hoof and champing bit -Aroused the garth; and day, arising, lit -A hundred lances, as, each bolt withdrawn, -The courtyard-gate swung wide with noise far-heard, -And flickering pennons rode into the dawn-- -Before his knights, the King, and at his side, -Queen Hild, with ever-northward-gazing eyes; -But, ere they far had fared, in mute surprise -They stayed and all drew rein, as down the road -They saw a little band of warriors ride-- -Sore travel-stained--who bore a heavy load -Upon a branch-hung litter; while before -Came Philip, bearing a war-broken lance. -Though King and lords looked, wondering, in a glance -Queen Hild had read the sorrow of his face -And pierced the leaf-hid secret--which e'ermore -A brand of fire upon her heart would trace. -Darkness about her swirled, but, with a fierce -Wild, conquering shudder, shaking herself free, -Unto the light she clung, though like a sea -It surged and eddied round her; yet so still -She sat, none knew her steely eyes could pierce -The leafy screen. With guilty terror chill, -She heard the king speak--sadly riding forth: -"Whence come you, Philip, battle-stained and slow? -What burden bear you with such brows of woe?" -Then Philip answered, mournfully: "I bring -Two wanderers home from out the perilous north. -Prepare to gaze on death's defeat, O King." -They lowered the litter slowly to the ground; -Back fell the branches; in the light of day, -In calm, white sleep Christine and Geoffrey lay, -And at their feet the baleful Helm of Strife -Sword-cloven. Hushed stood all the knights around, -When spake the King, alighting: "Come, O wife, -And let us twain, with humble heads low-bowed, -Even at the feet of love triumphant stand, -A little while together, hand in hand." -The Queen obeyed; but, fearfully, she shrank -Before the eyes of death, and, quaking, cowed, -With moaning cry, low in the dust she sank. - - - - PRINTED BY R. 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+ float: left; + margin-right: 1em } + + .align-right { clear: right; + float: right; + margin-left: 1em } + + .align-center { margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto } + + div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } + + /* SECTIONS */ + + body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } + + /* compact list items containing just one p */ + li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } + + .first { margin-top: 0 !important; + text-indent: 0 !important } + .last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } + + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } + span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } + + .no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } + + /* PAGINATION */ + + @media screen { + .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage + { margin: 10% 0; } + + div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage + { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } + + .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } + } + + @media print { + div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } + div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } + + .vfill { margin-top: 20% } + h2.title { margin-top: 20% } + } + + /*]]>*/ + </style> + <title>THE GOLDEN HELM</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + .pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } + .pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } + .lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } + .lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } + .toc-pageref { float: right } + pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42052 ***</div> + <div class="document" id="the-golden-helm"> + <h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE GOLDEN HELM</span></h1><!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> + <!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> + <!-- default transition --> + <!-- default attribution --> + <!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> + <div class="clearpage"></div><!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> + <div class="align-None container coverpage"> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 50%" id="figure-10"> + <span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> + <div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> + <span class="italics">Cover</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="align-None container titlepage"> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE<br /> + GOLDEN HELM<br /> + AND OTHER VERSE</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY<br /> + WILFRID WILSON GIBSON</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON<br /> + ELKIN MATHEWS, VIGO STREET<br /> + 1903</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="align-None container dedication"> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">TO<br /> + HOWARD PEASE</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">BY THE SAME WRITER</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">URLYN THE HARPER AND OTHER SONG</em> <span class="medium"><br /></span><em class="italics medium">THE QUEEN'S VIGIL AND OTHER SONG</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>Thanks are due to Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., for permission to reprint "The King's Death," "The Three Kings," and the first part of "Averlaine and Arkeld," from</span> <em class="italics">The Cornhill Magazine</em><span>; to the editor of</span> <em class="italics">Macmillan's Magazine</em> <span>for leave to reprint "In the Valley"; to the editor of</span> <em class="italics">The Saturday Review</em> <span>for leave to reprint "Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière"; and to the editors of</span> <em class="italics">The Pilot, The Outlook, The Pall Mall Gazette, Country Life, The Week's Survey</em><span>, and</span> <em class="italics">The Broadsheet</em><span>, for like courtesy with regard to a number of "The Songs of Queen Averlaine."</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">Contents</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-torch">The Torch</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-unknown-knight">The Unknown Knight</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-king-s-death">The King's Death</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-knight-of-the-wood">The Knight of the Wood</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#notre-dame-de-la-belle-verriere">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#in-the-valley">In the Valley</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-vision-a-christmas-mystery">The Vision: a Christmas Mystery</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-three-kings">The Three Kings</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-songs-of-queen-averlaine">The Songs of Queen Averlaine</a> <span><br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#id1">The Golden Helm</a></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-torch"><span class="large">The Torch</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through skies blown clear by storm, o'er storm-spent seas,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Day kindled pale with promise of full noon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of blue unclouded; no night-weary wind</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ruffled the slumberous, heaving deeps to white,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though round the Farne Isles the waves never sink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In foamless sleep--about the pillared crags</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For ever circling with unresting spray.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At dawn's first glimmer, from his island-cell--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Rock-hewn, secure from tempest--Oswald came</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With slow and weary step, white-faced and worn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With night-long vigil for storm-perilled souls.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His anxious eye with sharp foreboding bright--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He scanned the treacherous flood; the long froth-trail</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That marks the lurking reefs; the jag-toothed chasms</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Which, foaming, gape at night beneath the keel--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The mouth of hell to storm-bewildered ships:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But no scar-stranded vessel met his glance.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Relieved, he drank the glistering calm of morn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With nostril keen and warm lips parted wide;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While, gradually, the sun-enkindled air</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Quickened his pallid cheek with youthful flame,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though lonely years had silvered his dark head,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And round his eyes had woven shadow-meshes.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Clearly he caught the ever-clamorous cries</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of guillemot and puffin from afar,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, canopied by hovering, white wings,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They crowded naked pinnacles of rock.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He watched, with eyes of glistening tenderness,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The brooding eider--Cuthbert's sacred bird,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That bears among the isles his saintly name--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Breast the calm waves; a black, wet-gleaming fin</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Cleft the blue waters with a foaming jag,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, close behind the restless herring-herd,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With ravening maw of death, the porpoise sped.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oswald, light-tranced, dreamed in the sun awhile;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till, suddenly, as some old sorrow starts,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though years have glided by with soothing lull,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The gust of ancient longing rent his bliss:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His narrow isle, as by some darkling spell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>More narrow shrank; the gulls' unceasing cries</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Grew still more fretful; and his hermit-life</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A sea-scourged desolation to him seemed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The holy tree of peace--which he had dreamt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Would flourish in the wilderness afresh,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upspringing ever in new ecstasy</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of branching beauty and white blooms of truth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till its star-tangling crest should cleave the sky,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And angels rustle through its topmost boughs--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Seemed sapless, rootless. Through his quivering limbs</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His famine-wasted youth to life upleapt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With passionate yearning for humanity:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The stir of towns; the jostling of glad throngs;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Welcoming faces and warm-clasping hands;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, even for the lips and eyes of Love</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He hungered with keen pangs of old desire:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, if for him these might not be, he craved</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At least the exultation of swift peril--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The red-foamed riot of delirious strife</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That rears a bloody crest o'er peaceful shires,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, slaying, in a swirl of slaughter dies.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With brow uplifted and strained, pulsing throat,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And salt-parched lips out-thrust, unto the sun</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He stretched beseeching hands, as though he sought</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To snatch some glittering disaster thence.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One moment radiant thus; and then once more</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His arms dropped listless, and he slowly shrank</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within his sea-stained habit, cowering dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Amid the azure blaze of sea and sky.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, stirring, with impatient step he moved</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Across the isle to where the rocky shore,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Forming a little, crag-encircled bay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sloped steeply to the level of the sea;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, as he neared the edges of the tide,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Startled, he paused, as, marvelling, he saw</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A woman on the shelving, wet, black rock,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lying, forlorn, among the storm-wrack, white</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And motionless; still wet, her raiment clung</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About her limbs, and with her wet, gold hair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Green sea-weed tangled. Oswald on her looked</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Amazed, as one who, in a sea-born trance,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Discovers the lone spirit of the storm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Self-spent at last, and sunk in dreamless slumber</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within some caverned gloom. Coldly he watched</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The little waves creep up the glistening rock,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, faltering, slide once more into the deep,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though they feared to waken her: at length,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When one, more venturous, about her stole,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And moved her heavy hair as if with life,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He shuddered; and a lightning-knowledge struck</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His heart with fear; and in a flash he knew</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That no sea-phantom couched before him lay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But some frail fellow-creature, tempest-tost,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hung yet in peril on the edge of death,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her weak life slipping from the saving grasp</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While he delayed. He sprang through plashy weed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O'er slippery ridges, to the rock whereon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She lay with upturned face and close-shut eyes--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One hand across her breast, the other dipped</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within a shallow pool of emerald water,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With blue-veined fingers clutching the red fronds</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of frail sea-weed. Then Oswald, bending, felt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon his cheek the feeble breath that still</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fluttered between the pallid, parted lips.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In trembling haste, he loosed the sodden cords</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That bound her to a spar; and with hot hands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He chafed her icy limbs, until the glow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of life returned. With fitful quivering</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The white lids opened; and she looked on him</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With dull, unwondering eyes whose deep-sea blue</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The gloom of death's late passing shadowed yet;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When suddenly light thrilled them, and bright fear</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flashed from their depths, and, with a little gasp,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She strove to rise; but Oswald with quick words</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Calmed her weak terror, and she sank once more,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Closing her eyes; and, gently lifting her</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within his arms--her gold hair hanging straight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And heavy with sea-water, as he plunged</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Knee-deep through pools of crackling bladder-weed--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He bore her, unresisting, o'er the isle</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto the rock-built shelter he had reared,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Some little way apart from his own cell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For storm-stayed fishers or wrecked mariners.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He laid her on a bed of withered bents,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And ministered to her with gentle hands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And ceaseless care; till, wrapped in warm, deep sleep,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She sank oblivious. Silently he placed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His island-fare beside her on the board,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lest she should wake in need; then, with hushed step,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He turned to go; but, ere he reached the door,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He paused, and looked again towards the bed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though he feared his strange sea-guest might flee</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like some wild spirit, born of wondering foam,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That wins from man the shelter of his breast,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, on a night of moon-enchanted tides,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Leaps with shrill laughter to its native seas,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Bearing his soul within its glistening arms,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To drown his peace on earth and hope of heaven</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In cold eternities of lightless deeps.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But still in dreamless sleep the stranger lay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With parted lips and breathing soft and calm;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About her head unloosed, her hair outshone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the grey-green bents, like fine, red gold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>So beautiful she was that Oswald, pierced</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With quivering rapture, dared no longer bide,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, with quick fingers, softly raised the latch,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And stumbled o'er the threshold. As he went,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A flock of sea-gulls from the bent-thatched roof</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Rose, querulous, and round him, wheeling, swept,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With creaking wings and cold, black eyes agleam;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet Oswald saw them not, nor heard their cries;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nor saw he, as he paced the eastern crags,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How, round the Farnes, the dreaming ocean lay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In broad, unshadowed, sapphire ecstasy,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That glowed to noon through slow, uncounted hours.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His early gloom had vanished; time and space</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And earth and sea no longer compassed him;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One thought alone consumed him--beauty slept</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the shelter of his hermitage,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon grey, rustling bents, with golden hair.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He roamed, unresting, till the copper sun</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sank in a steel-grey sea, and earth and sky</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Were strewn with shadows--wavering and dim--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To weave a pathway for the dawning moon,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That she, from night's oblivion, might create</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With the cold spell of her enchantments old</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A phantom earth with magical, bright seas,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A vaster heaven of unrevealed stars.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unmoving, on a headland of swart crag</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That jutted gaunt and sharp against the night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Stood Oswald, cowled and silent. Hour by hour</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He gazed across the sea, which nothing shadowed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Save where--now dim, now white--a lonely sail</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hung, restless, o'er a fisher's barren toil.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet Oswald saw nor sail nor moon nor sea:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His heart kept vigil by the little house</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wherein the stranger slumbered; and it seemed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His life, by some strange power within him stayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Awaited the unlatching of the door.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>But now, within the hut, the sleeper dreamt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of foaming caverns and o'erwhelming waters;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, shuddering awake, awhile she lay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And watched the moonlight, cold and white, which poured</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through the warm dusk, from the high window-slit;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, all at once, the strangeness of the room</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Closed in upon her with bewildering dread.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She stirred; the bents, beneath her, rustled strange;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She started in affright, and, swaying, stood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the streaming moonlight, till, at last,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In memory, once more disaster swept</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Over her life, and left her, desolate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon bleak crags of alien seas unknown.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet, through the tumult of tempestuous dark,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above the echo of despairing cries,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A calm voice sounded; and beyond the whirl</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of foaming death, wherein she caught the gleam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of well-loved faces drowning in cold seas,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A living face shone out--a beacon clear:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then numbing fear fell from her, and she moved,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unlatched the door, and stole into the night.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One moment, dazzled by the full-moon glare,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She paused, a shivering form within the wide</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And glittering desolation--lone and frail.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But Oswald, watchful on the eastern scars,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Seeing her, forward came with eager pace</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To meet her; and, as he drew swiftly near,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His cowl fell backward; and she knew again</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The face that calmed the terrors of her dreams.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet, with the knowledge, through her being stole,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Vague fear more strange, more impotent than the blind</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unquestioning dread when death had round her stormed;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>No peril of the body could arouse</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Such ecstasy of terror in her soul,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Which seemed upborne upon the shivering crest</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of some great wave, just curving, ere it crash</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon the crags of time. Yet, though she feared</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When Oswald paused, uncertain, quick she spake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though she sought to parry doom with words.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She questioned him--scarce heeding his replies--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How she had hither come; when, suddenly,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sped by her fluttering words, the last, dim cloud</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Rolled from her memory, and she saw revealed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within a pitiless glare of naked light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The utmost horror of her desolation.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mute with despair, she stood with parted lips,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And then cried fiercely: "Hath the sea upcast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>None other on this shore? Am I, alone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of all my kin who sailed in that doomed ship,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flung back to life?" And as, with piteous glance,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He answered her: "Ah God, that I, with them,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had died! O traitor cords that held too sure</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My body to the broken spar of life!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O feeble seas, that fumed in such wild wrath,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet could not quench so frail a thing as I!"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With passionate step, across the isle she ran,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And leapt from crag to crag, until she stood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon a dizzy scar that jutted sheer</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above low-lapping waves. Then once again</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her moaning cry was heard among the Isles:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"O bitter waters, give them back to me!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>You shall not keep them; all your waves of woe</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Cannot withhold from me those dauntless lives</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That were my life. Surely they cannot rest</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Without me; even from your unfathomed graves</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Surely my love will draw them to my arms!"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though in tremulous expectation tranced,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She yearned, with arms outstretched; as dawn arose</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Exultant from the sea, and with clear rays</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Kindled her wind-tost hair to streaming flame.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Awhile she stood, then, moaning, slowly sank</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon the crag; and Oswald came to her</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With words of comfort which unloosed her pent</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And aching woe in swift, tumultuous tears.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oswald, in silent anguish, drew apart,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Gazing, unseeing, o'er the dawning waves;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until at last the tempest of her grief,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In low and fitful sobbing, spent itself;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, turning to him, once again she spake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, shuddering, with faltering voice, outpoured</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The tale of her despair: and Oswald heard</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How she, who sat thus strangely by his side,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Marna, a sea-earl's daughter, had besought</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her father, when the old sea-hunger lit</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His eyes--as waves shot through with stormy fight--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For leave to bear him company but once,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, with his sons, he rode the adventurous seas;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How he had yielded with reluctant love;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And how, from out the firth of some far strand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Their galley rode, beneath a flaming dawn;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How her young heart had leapt to see the sails</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unfurled to take the wind, as, one by one,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Toil-glistening rowers shipped the dripping oars,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And loosened every sheet before the breeze;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How, as the ship with timbers all astrain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Leapt to mid-sea, through Marna's body thrilled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A kindred rapture, and there came to her</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sheer, delirious joy of them true-born</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To wander with the foam--each creaking cord</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That tugged the quivering mast unto her singing</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of unknown shores and far, enchanted lands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beyond the blue horizon; how, all day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They rode, undaunted, through the spinning surf;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, as the sun dipped, in the cold, grey tide,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The wind, that since the dawn with steady speed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had filled the sails, now came in fitful gusts,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fierce and yet fiercer, till the sullen waves</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Were lashed to anger, and the waters leapt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To tussle with the furies of the air;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And how the ship, in the encounter caught,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Was tossed on crests of swirling dark, or dropped</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between o'er-toppling walls of whelming night;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How in those hours--too dread for thought or speech--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her father's hand had bound her to a spar;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, even as--the cord between his teeth--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He tugged the last knot sure, the vessel crashed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon a cleaving scar; and she but saw</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The strong, pale faces looking upon death,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before the fierce, exultant waters closed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With cold oblivion o'er them; and no more</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She knew, until she waked within the hut,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To find her world, in one disastrous night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In one swift surge of roaring darkness, swept</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From her young feet; her kindred, home and friends,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all familiar hopes and joys and fears</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dropt like a garment from her life, which now</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Stood naked on the edge of some new world</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of unknown terrors.</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oswald heard her tale</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With pitying glance; yet in his eyes arose</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A strange, new light, which as each gust of grief</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shook out the fluttering words, more brightly burned;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>So that, when Marna ceased, it seemed to her</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That he, in holy contemplation rapt,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had heeded not her woe; and from her heart</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Burst out a cry: "Ah God, I am alone!"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, stung by her shrill anguish, Oswald waked</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From his bright reverie, and his shining eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Darkened with swift compassion, as he turned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, trembling, spake: "Nay, not alone..."</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then mute</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He stood--his pale lips clenched--as though within</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>There surged a torrent which he dared not loose.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Marna looked wondering up; but, when her eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Saw the white passion of his face, her soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Was tossed once more on crests of unknown fears;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet rapture warred with terror in her heart;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She trembled, and her breath came short and quick.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She dared not raise her eyes again to his,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till, on her straining ears, his words, once more,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fell, slow and cold and clear as water dripping</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between locked sluice-gates: "Nothing need you fear.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beyond the sea of unknown terrors lie</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>White havens of an undiscovered peace.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For even this bleak, scar-embattled coast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>May yield safe harbour to the storm-spent soul.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your world has fallen from you that you may</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Enter another world, more beautiful,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Built 'neath the shadow of the throne of God.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>There shall you find new friends, who yet will seem</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Familiar to your eyes, because their souls</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Have passed through kindred perils and despairs."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He ceased; and silence, trembling, 'twixt them hung;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till Marna, gazing yet across the sea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Rent it with words: "Where may I find this peace?"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And Oswald answered: "In an inland dale</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The Sisters of the Cross await your coming,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With ever-open gate. Within seven days,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My brethren from the mainland will put out,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Bringing me food; on their return with them</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>You may embark. Till then, this barren rock</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Must be your home." Exultant light once more</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Leapt, flashing, in the depths of his dark eyes.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet Marna looked not up, but, slowly, spake:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Yea, I must go.... But you...."</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then in dismay</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She stopped, as though the thought had slipped unknown</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From her full heart; but Oswald caught the words,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And spake with hard, quick speech, as if to baffle</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Some doubt that strove within him: "On this Isle</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I bide, till God shall kindle my weak soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Once more he paused; and perilous silence swayed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between them, until Oswald, quaking, rose,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As one who dared no longer rest beneath</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O'er-toppling doom. Yet, with calm voice, he spake:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Even within this wilderness abides</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Such beauty that, in your brief sojourn here,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your soul shall starve not; all about you sweeps</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The ever-changing wonder of the sea;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But if, too full of bitter memories,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The bright waves darken, you may lift your eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To watch the swooping gull; the flashing tern;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The stately cormorant and the kittiwake--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Most beautiful of all the island-birds;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Or, if your woman's heart should crave some grace</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>More exquisite, see, frail bell-campions blow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As foam-flowers on the shallow, sandy turf."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As thus he spake, a light in Marna's eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Arose, and sorrow left her for awhile:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And she with bright glance questioned him, and watched</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The hovering gulls, and plucked the snowy blooms,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With little cries at each discovered beauty.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet Oswald by her side walked silently,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And watched, as one struck mute with anguished fear,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her eager eyes, and heard her chattering words.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, suddenly, he left her, but returned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the hour, with faltering step, and spake</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With tremulous voice: "We two must part awhile;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For I must keep lone vigil in my cell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Six days and nights, with fasting and with prayer;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Meanwhile, within the little hut for you</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Are food and shelter till the brethren come.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When I must give you over to their care."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Marna, with wondering heart, looked up at him;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But such a wild light flickered in his eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She dared not speak; and, shuddering, he turned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And strode back swiftly to the hermitage.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Marna looked after him with yearning gaze,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though her heart would have her call him back,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet her lips moved not; motionless, she watched</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until he passed from sight; then, sinking low</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the flowers, she wept, she knew not why.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, as the door closed on him, Oswald fell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Prone on the cold, black, vigil-furrowed rock</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That paved his narrow cell; and long he lay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As in the clutch of some dread waking-trance,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nor stirred until the shadows into night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Were woven. Then unto his feet he leapt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With this wild cry: "O God, why hast Thou sent</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>This scourge most bitter for my naked soul?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I feared not storm nor solitude, O God;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I shrank not from the tempest of Thy wrath;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though oft my weak soul wavered, trampled o'er</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>By deedless hours, and yearned unto the world,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ever afresh Thy love hath bound me fast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto this island of Thy lonely seas;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And I, who deemed that I at last might reach--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I who had come through all--Thy golden haven,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Knew not Thy hand withheld this last despair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>This scourge most bitter, being most beautiful."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then on his knees he sank, and tried to pray</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before the Virgin's shrine, where ever burned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His votive taper with unfailing light.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But when his lips would breathe the holy name,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His heart cried: "Marna! Marna!" Every pulse</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Throbbed "Marna!" And his body shook and swayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though it strove to utter that one word,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And cry it once unto eternal stars,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though it should perish crying. Through the cell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The silence murmured: "Marna!" And without</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A lone gull wailed it to the windy night.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He lifted his wild eyes, and in the shrine</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He saw the face of Marna, which outburned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The flickering taper; on the gloom up-surged,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Foam-white, the face of Marna; till the dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flowed pitiful o'er him, and on the stone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He sank unconscious. Night went slowly by,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And pale dawn stole in silence through his cell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, in the light of morn, the taper died,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With feeble guttering; yet he never stirred,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though noonday waxed and waned.</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>But Marna roamed</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night beneath the stars. To her it seemed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That not until the closing of the door</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had all hope perished: now death tore, afresh,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her father and her brothers from her arms.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>By day and night and under sun and moon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She roamed unresting--seeing, heeding naught--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till weariness o'ercame her, and she slept;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, as she slumbered, snowy-plumed peace</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nestled within her heart; and, when she waked,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She only yearned for that dim, cloistral calm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Embosomed deep in some bough-sheltered vale,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Whither the boat must bear her.</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>In his cell,</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As night paled slowly to the seventh morn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oswald arose--the fire within his eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet more intense, more fierce. With eager hand</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He clutched the latch, and, flinging wide the door,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He strode into the dawn. One moment, dazed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though bewildered by the light, he paused;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, when his glance in restless roving fell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>On Marna, standing on the western crag</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Against the setting moon, beneath the dawn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His passion surged upon him, and he shook;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, springing madly forth, he, stumbling, ran,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, falling at her feet upon the rock,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His voice rang out in fearful exultation:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"You shall not go! I cannot let you go!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Has not the tumult tossed you to my breast?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, and not all the storms of all the seas</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shall drag you from me! Nay, you shall not go!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For we will live together on this isle</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Which time has builded in the deeps for us--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>We two together, one in ecstasy,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Throughout eternity; for time shall fall</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From off us; and the world shall be no more:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And God, if God should stand between us now..."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Faltering, he paused; and Marna stood, afraid,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Quaking before him; but she spake no word.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Across the waters came the plash of oars;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But Oswald heard them not, and once more cried:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"You will not go--thrusting me back to death?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For now I know the strange, new thing you brought</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For me from out the storm was life--yea, life;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And I am one arisen from the grave.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>You will not thrust me back and take again</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That which you came through storm to bring to me?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>You will not go? I cannot let you go!"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>He ceased; and now the even plash of oars</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Came clearer. One dread moment Marna stood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Swaying; then, stretching forth her arms, she cried:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Ah God! Ah God! Why hath Thy cold hand set</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>This doom upon me? Must I ever bear</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Death and disaster unto whom I love?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, is it not enough that, 'neath the wave,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because I sought to bear them company,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My father and my brothers lie in death?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But this--ah God--that it should come to this!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Must I bear ever death within my hands?"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>She paused one moment, with wild-heaving breast;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, turning unto Oswald, spake again,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With softer voice: "But you--have you no pity?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>You who are but God's servant--surely you</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Have pity on my weakness. From this doom</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Which overhangs me you must set me free.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>You say I brought you life; but in me lies</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For you--the priest of God--a death more deep</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Than all the drowning fathoms of the sea.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I go, that you may live. If life indeed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I brought you, I was but the torch of God</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To kindle the clear flame of your strong soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She ceased, with arms outstretched and lighted eyes.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As on some holy vision Oswald gazed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In rapt, adoring fear; nor spake, nor stirred.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Near, and yet nearer, drew the plash of oars;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, turning in the boat, the brethren looked</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With wondering eyes upon them, whispering: "Lo,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Some seraph-messenger of God most high</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Tarries with Oswald. See the strange new peace</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That burns his face like a white altar-flame.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Not yet must we draw near, lest our weak sight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Be blinded by that glory of gold hair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That gleams so strangely in the light of dawn."</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-unknown-knight"><span class="large">The Unknown Knight</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>When purple gloomed the wintry ridge</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Against the sunset's windy flame,</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From pine-browed hills, along the bridge,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>An unknown rider came.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I watched him idly from the tower.</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though he nor looked nor raised his head;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I felt my life before him cower</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>In dumb, foreboding dread.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I saw him to the portal win</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unchallenged, and no lackey stirred</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To take his bridle when within</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>He strode without a word.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through all the house he passed unstayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until he reached my father's door;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The hinge shrieked out like one afraid;</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then silence fell once more.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night I hear the chafing ice</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Float, griding, down the swollen stream;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I lie fast-held in terror's vice,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nor dare to think or dream.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I only know the unknown knight</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Keeps vigil by my father's bed:</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, who shall wake to see the light</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flame all the east with red?</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-king-s-death"><span class="large">The King's Death</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">The sleeping-chamber of the King: a candle burns dimly by the curtained bed. The arras parts, and two slaves enter with daggers. A storm of wind rages without.</em></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: He sleeps.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: He sleeps, whom only death shall rouse</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To dread unsleeping in another world.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: How long the careful night has kept him wakeful,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As if sleep loathed to snare him for our knives!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: Yea, we have crouched so close in quaking dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I scarce can lift my sword-arm: strike you first.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: The heavy waiting hours have crushed my strength;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The hate that burst to such an eager flame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within my heart has smouldered to dull ash,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Which pity breathes to scatter.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: Knows he pity?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: Nay, he is throned above his slaughtered kin,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A reeking sword his sceptre. He has broken,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As one across the knee a faggot snaps,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Strong lives to feed the blaze of his ambition;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet shall a slave's hand strike cold death in him</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For whom kings sweat like slaves?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: Yea, at the stroke</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One slave lies dead--a hundred kings are born;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For every man that breathes will be a king;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Vast empires, beaten-dust beneath his feet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Will rise again and teem with kingly men,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When he, their death, is dead</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: How still he sleeps!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The tempest shrieks to wake him, yet he slumbers.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As seas that foam against unyielding scars,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The mad wind storms the castle, wall and tower,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And is not spent. Hark, it has found a breach--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Some latch unloosed--the house is full of wind;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It rushes, wailing, down the corridor;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It seeks the King; it cries on him to waken;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Now 'tis without, and shakes the rattling bolt;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lo, it has broken in, in little gusts,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I feel it in my hair; 'twill lay cold fingers</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon his lips, and start him from his sleep.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>See, it has whipt the yellow flame to smoke.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: And now it fails; the heavy, hanging gold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That shelters him from night is all unstirred.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: Even the wind must pause.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: 'Twas but a breeze</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To blow our sinking courage to clear fire.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Too long we loiter; soon the approaching day</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Will take us, slaves who grasp the arms of men</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet dare not plunge them save in our own breasts.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Come, let us strike!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>(</span><em class="italics">They approach the bed and draw aside the curtain.</em><span>)</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: The King--how still he sleeps!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Can majesty in such calm slumber lie?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: Come, falter not, strike home!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: Hold, hold your hand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For death has stolen a march upon our hate;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He does not breathe.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SECOND SLAVE: The stars have wrought for us,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And we are conquerors with unbloodied hands.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>FIRST SLAVE: Nay, nay, for in our thoughts his life was spilt;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While yet our bodies lagged in fettered fear,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our shafted breath sped on and stabbed his sleep.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, red for all the world, across our brows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our murderous thoughts have burned the brand of Cain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>See, through the window stares the pitiless day!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-knight-of-the-wood"><span class="large">The Knight of the Wood</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"I fear the Knight of the Wood," she said</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"For him may no man overthrow.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where boughs are matted thick o'erhead,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>There gleams, amid the shadows dread,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The terror of his armour red;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all men fear him, high and low;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet all must through the forest go."</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>She paused awhile where larches flame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About the borders of the wood;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, crying loud on Love's high name</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To keep her maiden-heart from shame,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She entered, and full-swiftly came</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, hooded with a scarlet hood,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A rider in her pathway stood.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>She saw the gleam of armour red;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She saw the fiery pennon wave</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Its flaming terror overhead</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>'Mid writhing boughs and shadows dread.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Ah God," she cried: "that I were dead,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And laid for ever in my grave!"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, swooning, called on Love to save.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the springing fern she fell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And very nigh to death she lay;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till, like the fading of a spell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At ringing of the matin-bell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The darkness left her; by a well</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She waked beneath the open day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And rose to go upon her way;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, once again, the ruddy light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of arms she saw, and turned to flee;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But clutching brambles stayed her flight;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While, marvelling, she saw the Knight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unhooded; and his eyes were bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With April colours of the sea;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And crowned as a King was he.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>She knelt before him in the ferns,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And sang: "O Lord of Love, I bow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before thy shield, where blazoned burns</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The flaming heart with light that turns</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The night to day. O heart that yearns</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For love, lo, Love before thee now--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The wild-wood knight with crownèd brow!"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="notre-dame-de-la-belle-verriere"><span class="large">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above Thy halo's burning blue</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For ever hovers the White Dove;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thy heart enshrines, for ever new,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The Cross--the Crown of all Thy love;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While, sapphire wing on sapphire wing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About Thee choiring angels swing</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Gold censers, and bright candles bear.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because I have no heart to sing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I come to Thee with all my care,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because the sword hath pierced Thy side,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thy brows are crowned with circling gold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The woe of all the world doth hide</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within Thy mantle's azure fold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because Thou, too, hast dwelt with fears,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through lingering days and endless years,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I find no comfort otherwhere,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our Lady beautiful with tears,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our Lady sorrowfully fair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>My feet have travelled the hot road</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between the poppies' barren fires;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But now I cast aside the load</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of burning hopes and wild desires</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That ever fierce and fiercer grew.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thy peace falls like a falling dew</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon me as I kneel in prayer,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because Thou hast known sorrow, too,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because Thou, too, hast known despair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="in-the-valley"><span class="large">In the Valley</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love, take my hand, and look not with sad eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through the valley-shades: for us, the mountains rise;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath the cold, blue-cleaving peaks of snow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like flame the April-blossomed almonds blow--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring-grace and winter-glory intertwined</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the glittering web that colour weaves.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Yet who are they who troop so close behind</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">With raiment rustling like frost-withered leaves</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">That burden winter-winds with ever-restless sighs?</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love, look not back, nor ever hearken more</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To murmuring shades; for us, the river-shore</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Is lit with dew-hung daffodils that gleam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>On either side the tawny, foaming stream</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That bears through April with triumphal song</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dissolving winter to the brimming sea.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Yet who are they who, ever-whispering, throng,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">With lean, grey lips that shudder piteously,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">As if from some bright fruit of bitter-tasting core?</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nay, look not back, for, lo, in trancèd light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love stays awhile his world-encircling flight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To wait our coming from the valley-ways;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>See where, a hovering fire amid the blaze,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He pants aflame with irised plumes unfurled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above the utmost pinnacle of noon.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Yet who are they who wander through the world</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Like weary clouds about a wintry moon,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">With wan, bewildered brows that bear eternal night?</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love, look not back, nor fill thy heart with woe</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of old, sad loves that perished long ago;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For ever after living lovers tread</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Pale, yearning ghosts of all earth's lovers dead.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A little while with life we lead the train</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere we, too, follow, cold, some breathing love.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">I fear their fevered eyes and hands that strain</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">To snatch our joy that flutters bright above,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">To shadow with grey death its ruddy, pulsing glow.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love, look not back in this life-crowning hour</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When all our love breaks into perfect flower</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath the kindling heights of frozen time.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Come, Love, that we with happy haste may climb</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beyond the valley, and may chance to see</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Some unknown peak that cleaves unfading skies.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Old sorrow saps my strength; I may not flee</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">The flame of passionate hunger in their eyes;</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Beseeching shade on shade--they hold me in their power.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love, look not back, for, all too brief, our day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In wilder glories flameth fast away.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lo, even now, the northern snow-ridge glows--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With purple shadowed--from pale gold to rose</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That shivers white beneath stars dawning cold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lift up thine eyes ere all the colour fades.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Ah, rainbow-plumèd Love in airs of gold,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">Too late I turn, a shade among the shades.</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">To follow, death-enthralled, thy flight through ages grey.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-vision-a-christmas-mystery"><span class="large">The Vision.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>PERSONS: A YOUNG HERD. HIS MOTHER.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>SCENE: THE QUEEN'S CRAGS.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>TIME: CHRISTMAS EVE.</span> + </div> + </div> + <p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">The herd stands at the foot of the Crags, gazing across the dark fells. His mother enters.</em></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>MOTHER: Son, come home, nor tarry here</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In this peril-haunted place.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My old heart is filled with fear</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>By the white flame of thy face,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And thine eyes whose restless fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Burneth ever wild and clear</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As red peats between the bars.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Son, come home; the night is cold;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dropping from the wintry stars,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Tingling frost falls through the air;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>See, the bents are white with rime;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All the sheep are in the fold;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All the cattle in the byre;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Only we, of live things, roam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O'er the fells so far from home;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>E'en the red fox in his lair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Snuggles close to keep him warm;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And the lonely, wandering hare</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Crouches, shivering, in her form;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While by Greenlea's frozen edge</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hides the mallard in the sedge.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Son, come home; the ingle-seat</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Waits thee by the glowing peat,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And the door is off the latch.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Come, and we will feast and sing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As of old at Christmas time,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until thou wilt drowse and nod</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And with slumber-drooping head</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Gladly seek thy bracken-bed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Underneath the heather-thatch;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where the healing sleep will bring</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto thee the peace of God.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Son, come home! Whom seekest thou there?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>MOTHER: Cry no more on Guenevere.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Some wild warlock of the fells,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Born beneath the Devil's Scars,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lures thee forth to drown thy soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Deep in Broomlea-water cold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Guenevere no longer dwells</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Anywhere beneath the stars;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though she walked these Crags of old,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Many hundred years ago,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Into earth she sank like snow;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As a sunset-cloud in rain</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Breaks, and showers the thirsty plain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All the glory of her hair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fell to earth, we know not where.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Leave thy foolish quest forlorn.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lo, to-night a King is born,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Who, when earthly kings at last</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Into wildering night are passed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet shall wear the crown of morn.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mary, Thou whose love may turn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Eyes that after evil burn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Draw his soul, that strays so far,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To Thy Son's white throning-star.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen of Heaven, hear my prayer!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>MOTHER: Low she lies, and may not hear.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The white lily, Guenevere,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ruthless time has trodden down;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Arthur is a tarnished crown,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>High Gawain a broken spear,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Percival a riven shield;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They, who taught the world to yield,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Closed with death and lost the field,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Stricken by the last despair:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Launcelot is but a name</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Blown about the winds of shame;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Surely God has quenched the flame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That burned men's souls for Guenevere.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mary, heed a mother's woe;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mary, heed a mother's tears!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thou, whose heart so long ago</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Knew the pangs and hopes and fears</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>We poor mortal mothers know;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thou, to whom, on Christmas-morn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christ, the Son of God, was born;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thou whose mother-love hath pressed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sweet Babe against thy breast;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And with wondering joy hath felt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The warm clutch of little hands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When the Kings from far-off lands--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Crowned with gold, in gold attire--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With the simple shepherds knelt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>'Mid the beasts within the byre;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mary, if Thy heart, afraid,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When beyond Thy care he strayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sometimes grieved that he must grow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unlike other boys and men--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Filled with dreams beyond Thy ken,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Anguished with diviner woe,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Pangs more fiery than Thy pain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Deeper than Thy dark despair--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From the perils of the night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Give me back my son again.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thou, whose love may never fail,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Heed a lonely mother's prayer!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Come in all Thy healing might!</span> + </div> + </div> + <p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">A sudden glory sweeps across the Fells. The vision appears in a cleft of the Crags. The herd and his mother kneel before it.</em></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>MOTHER: Mary, Queen of Heaven, hail!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>HERD (</span><em class="italics">falling forward</em><span>): Guenevere! Guenevere!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-three-kings"><span class="large">THE THREE KINGS.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">To C. J. S.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">The Three Kings</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>PERSONS: KING GARLAND, KING ARLO, KING ASHALORN.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SEA-VOICES, WAVE-VOICES, AND WIND-VOICES.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SCENE:</span> <em class="italics">A rock in the midst of the North Sea,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">whereon the three kings, bound naked by conquering</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics">sea-rovers, have been left to perish.</em> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>VOICE OF THE DAWN-WIND: Awaken, O sea, from thy starry dream;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Awaken, awaken!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For delight of thy slumber not one pale gleam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From dim star-clusters remaineth unshaken.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night I have haunted the valleys and rivers;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Now hither I come--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere, quickened with sunlight, the drowsy east quivers--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To waken thy song, night-bewildered and dumb;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To stir thy grey waters, of starlight forsaken,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To loosen white foam in the red of the dawn.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>WAVE-VOICES: The sound of thy voice</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Has broken our sleep;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night we have waited thee, herald of light.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>We arise, we rejoice</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At thy bidding to leap,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And spray with our laughter the trail of the night.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night we have waited thee, weary of stars--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The little star-dreams, and the sleep without song;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The deep-brooding slumber of silence that holds</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our melody mute in the uttermost deep.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O Wind of the Dawn, we have waited thee long;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sound of thy voice</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Has broken our sleep;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>We arise, we rejoice</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At thy bidding to leap,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With a tumult of singing, a rapture of spray,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To scatter our joy in the path of the day.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>GARLAND: Day comes at last, beyond the sea's grey rim;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The young sun leaps in sudden might of gold.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ASHALORN: Before his fire our lives will smoulder dim;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like stars we shine, we fade; the tale is told,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all our empty splendour put to scorn;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fate leaves us, who were clothed in pride, forlorn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To perish, naked, in this lonely sea.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But yesterday we ruled as kings of earth;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Frail men to-day; to-morrow, who shall be?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARLO: But yesterday my cup of life was filled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To overflowing with the wine of mirth--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The plashing joy from fruitful years distilled.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>GARLAND: But yesterday my kinghood sprang to birth;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My fingers scarce had grasped the might new-born,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When from my clutch the glittering pomp was torn.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SEA-VOICES: They slumber, they slumber, the kings in their pride.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The beak of the Rover is dipt in the tide;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sails of the Rover are red in the wind;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And white is the trail of the foam flung behind.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They have fallen, have fallen, the kings in their pride;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Their sea-gates are forced by the rush of the tide;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Their splendour is scattered as surf on the wind;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And red is the trail of the terror behind.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Forsaken, forlorn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>On a rock of the sea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In anguish they bow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And wait for the night and the darkness to be;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, bright was the gold in their hair;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sea-weed, in scorn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Is twined in it now;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, rich was their raiment and rare,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Blue, purple, and gold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In fold upon fold;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of glory and majesty shorn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They are clothed with the wind of despair.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>GARLAND: Lo, the live waters run to greet the day:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Even so I laughed to see the soaring light;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My life was poised like yonder curving wave</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To break in such bright revel of keen spray.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARLO: I counted not the years that took their flight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Gold-crowned and singing; every hour I stood,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As one enchanted in an April wood,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In some new paradise of scent and flowers.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I counted not the countless, careless hours,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The days of rapture and the nights of peace.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How should I dream that such delight could pass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Such colour fade, such flowing numbers cease,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My glory perish where was none to save,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all my strength be trodden in the grass?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ASHALORN: Oh, blest art thou who diest in thy youth;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, blest art thou who failest in thy prime;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While yet thine eyes are full of wondering truth;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere yet thy feet have found the ways of thorn.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Too long I wandered down the vale of time,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A lonely wind, all songless and forlorn;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For I have found the empty heart of things,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The secret sorrow of the summer rose,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all the sadness of the April green;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I know that every happy stream that springs</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Into a sea of bitter memories flows;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I know the curse that God has set on kings--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The solitary splendour and the crown</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of desolation, and the prisoning state;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The heart that yearns beneath the robe of gold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The soul that starves behind the golden gate.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I know how chance has reared our earthly thrones</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon a shifting wrack of whitened bones,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of heroes fallen in the wars of old--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>By wind upbuilded and by wind cast down.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>SEA-VOICES: As foam on the edge of the waters of night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They flicker and fall;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>More brief than delight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>More frail than their tears,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They flicker and fall</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In the tide of the years;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Awhile they may triumph, as lords of the earth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With feasting and mirth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet the winds and the waters shall sweep over all.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>VOICE OF THE WEST WIND: O wide-shifting wonder of sapphire and gold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O wandering glory of emerald and white,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From the purple and green of the moorlands I come,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To sweep o'er thy waters with turbulent flight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I have drunk the red wine of the heather, and swept</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Over moorland and fell, for mile upon mile.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The little blue loughs were merry, and leapt,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With a shaking of laughter, in dim, dreaming hollows;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The little blue loughs were merry, and flung</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Their spray on my wings as above them I swung;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I laughed to their laughter, and dallied awhile;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then left them to sink in the silence that follows.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>In the forest I stirred, like the chant of thy tides,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The song of the boughs and the branches a-swinging;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The ashes and beeches and oak-trees were singing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like the noise of thy waters when dark tempest rides.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I swung on the crest of the pine-trees a-swaying,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As now on thy green, flowing surges, O sea;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I piped in my triumph, they danced to my playing;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I left them a-murmur, to hasten to thee.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The white clouds were driven like ships through the air,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And grey flowed the shadows o'er sea-coloured bent,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And dark on the heathland, and dark on the wold:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But here on thy waters, where all things grow fair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They shadow with purple thine emerald and gold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My revel unbroken, my rapture unspent,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To thy far-shining wonder, O sea, I have come,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To sweep o'er thy splendour with turbulent flight;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>GARLAND: There is no sadness in the world but death.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The years that whitened o'er thy head have taken</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The colour from thy life, but still in me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The blood beats young and red; yea, still my breath</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Is full of freshness as the wind that blows</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Across the morning-fells when night has shaken</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His cooling dews among the wakening heath.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, now the wind that lashes o'er the sea</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Stings all my quivering body to keen life</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And whips the blood into my straining limbs;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all the youth within me springs to fire;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I am consumed with ravening desire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For one brief, wild, delirious hour of strife;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I yearn for every joy that flies or swims,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Rides on the wind or with the water flows.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet I must die by patient, slow degrees,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With hourly wasting flesh and parching blood;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ah God, that I might leap into the flood,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And perish struggling in the adventurous seas!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARLO: My mouth is filled with saltness, and I thirst</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For forest-pools that bubble in the shade,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When loud the hot chase pants through every glade,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And fleeing fawns from every thicket burst;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Or clear wine vintaged when the world was young,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Gurgling from deep-mouthed jars of coloured stone.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ASHALORN: The noonday burns my body to the bone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And sets a coal of fire upon my tongue,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between my lips, and stifles all my breath.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh come, thou only joy undying, death!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>WAVE-VOICES: O wind, that failing, failing, failing, dies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath the heat of August-laden skies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sinking in sleep, sinking in quiet sleep--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thy blue wings folded o'er our dreaming deep</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>We too are weary, weary in the noon;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>We too will fall in shining slumber soon--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Foamless and still, foamless and very still,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unstirred, unshaken by thy restless will.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet there are eyes that cannot, cannot close,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And strong souls racked by fiery, rending woes--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Never to rest, never to gather rest</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>By any stream of murmuring waters blest.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>But slumber falling, falling, on us lies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Silent and deep, beneath noon-laden skies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Silent and deep, silent and very deep,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With blue wings folded o'er our dreaming sleep.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: I have shaken the noon</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>from my wings, I arise</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To quicken the flame in the western skies--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To blow the clouds to a streaming flame,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where the red sun sinks in the opal sea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And red as the heart of the opal glows</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His last wild gleam in the waters grey.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O grey-green waters, curling to rose,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The kings are glad of the dying day;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The kings are weary; the white mists close--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The white mists gather to cover their shame.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ASHALORN: The evening mist is dank upon my brow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And cold upon my lips--yea, cold as death;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet, through the gloom, she gazes on me now,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As in our early-wedded days; her breath</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Is warm once more upon my withered cheek.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O gaunt, grey lips, that strive but may not speak;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O cold, grey eyes, that flicker in the gloam--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Long have we strayed; come, let us wander home!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARLO: Like lit September woodlands, streameth down</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her hair, beneath the circle of her crown;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of rarer, redder glory than the cold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dead metal that for ever strives to hold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The ever-straying wonder of live gold!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like woodland pools, her eyes, a dreaming brown--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like woodland pools where autumn-splendours drown!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O red-gold tresses, shaking in the gloam,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto your light, unto your shade I come!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>GARLAND: Her eyes are azure as the wind-blown sea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With deep sea-shadowings of grey and green;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And like an April storm her shining hair--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, all the glittering Aprils that have been,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all the wondering Aprils yet to be,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Have stored their wealth of shower and sunshine there;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, all the thousand, thousand springs of earth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>New-lit and re-awakened at her birth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In her sweet body glow and glimmer fair.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O wonder of sea-colours and white foam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And April glories, to thine arms I come!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: The sun is gone,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>and the last, red flame</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Has faded away in a shimmer of rose--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A shimmer of rose that shivers to grey.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The kings are glad of the dying day--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The kings are weary; the white mists close,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The white mists gather to cover their shame.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="the-songs-of-queen-averlaine"><span class="large">THE SONGS OF QUEEN AVERLAINE.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">To M. B.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>PERSONS: THE KING,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>QUEEN AVERLAINE,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>THE KNIGHT ARKELD.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">I.<br /> + KING AND QUEEN.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">1.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The day has come; at last my dream unfolds</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>White, wondering petals with the rising sun.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>No other glade in Love's world-garden holds</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>So fair a bloom from vanquished winter won.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Long, oh, so long I watched through budding hours,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, trembling, feared my dream would never wake;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As, one by one, I saw star-tranced flowers</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Out on the night their dewy splendour shake.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>But with the earliest gleam of dawn it stirred,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Knowing that Love had put the dark to flight;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And I must sing more glad than any bird</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because the sun has filled my dream with light.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">2.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Is it high noon, already, in the land?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O Love, I dreamed that morn could never pass;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That we might ever wander, hand in hand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As children in June-meadows plucking flowers,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through ever-waking, fresh-unfolding hours:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet now we sink love-wearied in the grass;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, it is noon, high noon in all the land.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The young wind slumbers; all the little birds</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That sang about us in the fields of morn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Are songless now; no happy flight of words</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>On Love's lip hovers--Love has waxed to noon.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ah, God, if Love should wane to evening soon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To perish in a sunless world, forlorn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And cease with the last song of weary birds!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">3.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>At dawn I gathered flowers of white,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To garland them for your delight.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>At noon I gathered flowers of blue,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To weave them into joy for you.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>At eve I gather purple flowers,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To strew above the withered hours.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">4.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>She knelt at eve beside the stream,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, sighing, sang: "O waters clear,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Forsaken now of joy and fear,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I come to drown a withered dream.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Unseen of day, I let it fall</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the shadow of my hair.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O little dream, that bloomed so fair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The waters hide you after all!"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">5.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Is it not dawn?" she cried, and raised her head,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Or hath the sun, grey-shrouded, yesternight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Gone down with Love for ever to the dead?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When Love has perished, can there yet be light?"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Yea, it is dawn," one answered: "see the dew</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Quivers agleam, and all the east is white;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While in the willow song begins anew."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"When Love has perished, can there yet be light?"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">II.<br /> + AVERLAINE AND ARKELD.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">1.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Oh, why did you lift your eyes to mine?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, why did you lift your drooping head?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: The tangled threads of the fates entwine</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our hearts that follow as children led.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: From the utmost ends of the earth we came,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As star moves starward through wildering night.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: Our souls have mingled as flame with flame,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, they have mingled as light with light.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: The stars in their courses move through the sky</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unswerving, unheeding, cold and blind.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: Why did you linger nor pass me by</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where the cross-roads meet in the ways that wind?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: I saw your eyes from the dusk of your hair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flame out with sorrow and yearning love.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: And I, who wandered with grey despair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Looking up, saw heaven in blossom above.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: May we not go as we came, alone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto the ends of the earth anew?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: May we draw afresh from the rose new-blown</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The golden sunlight, the crystal dew?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Yea, love between us has bloomed as a rose</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Out of the desert under our feet.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: May we forget how the red heart glows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Forget that the dew on the petals is sweet?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Have the ages brought us together that we</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Might tremble, start at shadows, and cry?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: Yea, it has been, and ever will be</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till Sorrow be slain or Love's self die.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Stronger than Sorrow is Love; and Hate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The brother of Love, shall end our Sorrow.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow is strong with the strength of Fate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, slain, would rise from the grave to-morrow.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow for ever between!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">2.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and tear with ruthless hands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The golden web wherein, too late, Love strove</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To weave us joy and bind us heart to heart.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and strew on desert-sands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Petal by petal all the rose of Love,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And part for ever where the cross-ways part.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and never turn our eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From strange horizons, desolate and far,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though Love cry ever: "Turn but once, sad heart!"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and under alien skies</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Must follow after some cold, gleaming star,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And roam, as north and south winds roam, apart.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, ere Love be grown too strong</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And we too helpless to resist his might;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While each may go with pure, unshamed heart.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>ARKELD: Yea, we must part; and though we do Love wrong,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He will the more subdue us in our flight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And hold us each more surely his, apart.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">III. QUEEN AVERLAINE.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">1.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O love, I bade you go; and you have borne</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The summer with you from the valley-lands;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The poppy-flame has perished from the corn;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And in the chill, wan light of early morn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The reapers come in doleful, starveling bands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To bind the blackened sheaves with listless hands;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For rain has put their sowing-toil to scorn.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O Love, I bade you go; and autumn brings</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Bleak desolation; yet within my heart</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unquenched and fierce the flame you kindled springs;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For, echoing all day long, the courtyard rings</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As loud it rang when, rending Love apart,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your white horse cantered--swift and keen to start--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Into a world of other queens and kings.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">2.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I bade you go; ah, wherefore are you gone?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How could you leave me dark and desolate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O Sun of Love, that for brief summer shone?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mine eyes are ever on the western gate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Half-wishing, half-foredreading your return.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Return, O Love, return!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I cannot live without you; through the dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I stretch blind hands to you across the world;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All day on unknown battle-fields I mark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your sword's red course, your banner blue unfurled;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet never, in my day-dreams, you return.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Return, O Love, return!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nay, you are gone: O Love, I bade you go.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I would not have you come again to be</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A stranger in this house of silent woe,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, being all, you would be naught to me.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Mine, mine in dreams, but lost if you return;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, nevermore return!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">3.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"To-day a wandering harper came</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With outland tales of deeds of fame;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I hearkened from the noonday bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until the failing of the light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The while he sang of joust and fight;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet never once I caught your name.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, whither, whither are you gone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Whose name victorious ever shone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above all knights of other lands?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Across what wilderness of sands?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>By what dead sea-deserted strands?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>On what far quest of Love forlorn?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I loved you when men called you Lord</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Arkeld, the never-sleeping sword;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet now, when all your might is furled,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And you no longer crest the world,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>More are you mine than when you hurled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Destruction on the embattled horde.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">4.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, deeper in the silent house</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The silence falls;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Only the stir of bat or mouse</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>About the walls.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>No cry, no voice in any room,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>No gust of breath;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As if, within the clutch of doom,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>We waited death.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">5.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The King is dead;</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>No longer now</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The cold eyes gleam</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath his brow.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O cold, grey eyes,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wherein the light</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of Love at dawn</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Seemed clear and bright,</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>No true Love burned</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your cold desire,</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Which mirrored but</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>My own heart's fire.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">6.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The King died yesterday.... Ah, no, he died</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>When young Love perished long, so long ago;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And on his throne, as marble at my side,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Has reigned a carven image, cold as snow,</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though all men bowed before it, crying: "King!"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Too late, too late the chains which held me fall;</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Rock-bound, I bade the victor-knight go by;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And now, when time has loosed me from the thrall,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I know not where he tarries, 'neath what sky</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He waits the winter's end, the dawn of spring.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">7.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring comes no more for me: though young March blow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To flame the larches, and from tree to tree</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The green fire leap, till all the woodlands glow--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though every runnel, filled to overflow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Bear sea-ward, loud and brown with melted snow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring comes no more for me!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring comes no more for me: though April light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The flame of gorse above the peacock sea;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though in an interweaving mesh of white</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The seagulls hover 'neath the cliff's sheer height;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though, hour by hour, new joys are winged for flight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring comes no more for me!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring comes no more for me: though May will shake</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>White flame of hawthorn over all the lea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till every thick-set hedge and tangled brake</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Puts on fresh flower of beauty for her sake;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though all the world from winter-sleep awake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Spring comes no more for me!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">8.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I wandered through the city till I came</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the vast cathedral, cool and dim;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I looked upon the windows all aflame</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>With blazoned knights and saints and seraphim.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I looked on kings in purple, gold and blue,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>On martyrs high before whom all men bow;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until a gleam of light my footsteps drew</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before a shining seraph, on whose brow</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>A little flame, for ever pure and white,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unwavering burns--the symbol of our love;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And as I knelt before him in the night,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>He looked, compassionate, on me from above.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">9.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I heard a harper 'neath the castle walls</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sing, for night-shelter in the house of thralls,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A song of hapless lovers; in the shade</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I paused awhile, unseen of man or maid.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Taking his harp, he touched the moaning strings,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And sang of queens unloved and loveless kings;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His song shot through my fluttering heart like flame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till, wondering, I heard him breathe your name.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, then I knew how all the deathless wrong</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Time wrought of old is but a harper's song;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all the hopeless sorrow of long years</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>An idle tale to win a stranger's tears.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, in the song of Love's immortal dead</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our love was told; with shuddering heart I fled,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And strove to pass upon my way unseen,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But song was hushed with whispers: "Lo, the Queen!"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">10.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Was it for this we loved, O Time, to be</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among Love's deathless through eternity,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Set high on lone, divided peaks above</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sheltered summer-valley, broad and green?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Was it for this our joy and grief have been,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Our barren day-dreams, dream-deserted nights--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That valley-lovers, looking up, might see</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How vain is Love among the starry heights,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, loving, sigh: "How vain a thing is Love!"?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O Love, that we had found thee in the shade</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, all day long, the deep, leaf-hidden glade</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hears but the moan of some forsaken dove,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Or the clear song of happy, nameless streams;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, all night long, the August moonlight gleams</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through warm, green dusk, no longer cold and white!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O Love, that we had found thee, unafraid,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One summer morn, and followed thee till night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As unknown valley-lovers follow Love!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">11.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I have grown old, awaiting spring's return,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, now spring comes, I stand like winter grey</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In a young world; yet warm within me burn</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>The morning-fires Love kindled in youth's day.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>I have grown old; the young folk look on me</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>With sighs, and wonder that I once was fair,</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And whisper one another: "Is this she?</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Did summer ever light that winter hair?</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Ah, she is old; yet, she, too, once was young:</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, loved as we love even, for men tell</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>How bright her beauty burned on every tongue,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>And how a knightly stranger loved her well.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Yet Love grows old that beats so young and warm;</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>His leaping fires in dust and ashes fail;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shall we, too, wither in the winter-storm,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>And wander thus one April, old and frail?"</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love grows not old, O lovers, though youth die,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>And bodily beauty perish as the flower;</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though all things fail, though spring and summer fly,</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love's fire burns quenchless till the last dark hour.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">12.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O valley-lovers, think you love,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Being all of joy, knows naught of sorrow?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A day, a night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of swift delight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That fears no dread, grey-dawning morrow?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O valley-lovers, think you love</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Knows only laughter, naught of weeping?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A rose-red fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of warm desire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For ever burning, never sleeping?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>O lovers, little know ye Love.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Love is a flame that feeds on sorrow--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A lone star bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through endless night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That waits a never-dawning morrow.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">13.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Thus would I sing of life,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere I must yield my breath:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though broken in the strife,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I sought not after death.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though ruthless years have scourged</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My soul with sorrow's brands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, day by day, have urged</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My feet o'er desert-sands;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet would I rather tread</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Again the bitter trail,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Than lie, calm-browed and pale,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the loveless dead.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>No pang would I forego,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>No stab of suffering,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>No agony of woe,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>If I to life might cling;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>If I might follow still,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For evermore, afar,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O'er barren dale and hill,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>My Love's unfading star.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, now, with failing breath,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thus would I sing of life:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though broken in the strife,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I sought not after death.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">14.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Darkness has come upon me in the end;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Darkness has come upon me like a friend,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet undesired; why comest thou, O night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To seal mine eyes for ever from the light?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Darkness has come upon me; yet a star</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Burns through the night and beckons me from far.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Look up, O eyes, unfaltering, without fear;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O morning-star of Love, the dawn is near!</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst" id="id1"><span class="large">THE GOLDEN HELM.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">The Golden Helm</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">I.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Across his stripling shoulders Geoffrey felt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The knighting-sword fall lightly, and he heard</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The King's voice bid him rise; and at the word</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He rose, new-flushed with knighthood, swiftly grown</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To sudden manhood, though, but now, he knelt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A vigil-wearied squire before the throne.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He paused one moment while the people turned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To look on him with eyes that kindled bright,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Seeing his face aglow with strange, new light;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet them he saw not where they watched amazed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, though like azure flames Queen Hild's eyes burned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beyond the shadow of the throne he gazed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To where, in kindred rapture, young Christine</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Stood, tremulous and white, in wind-flower grace--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath her thick, dark hair, her happy face</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Pale-gleaming 'midst the ruddy maiden-throng;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, following Geoffrey's eyes, the trembling Queen</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Now bade the harpers rouse the air with song:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From pulsing throat and silver-throbbing string</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The music soared, light-winged, and, fluttering, fell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, startled as one waking from a spell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Geoffrey stepped back among the waiting knights;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While knelt another squire before the King.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In Queen Hild's eyes yet hovered stormy lights,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath her glooming brows, as waters gleam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Under snow-laden skies; the summer day</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For her in that brief glance had shivered grey,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Empty of light and song. She only heard</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The King and knights as people of a dream;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet keenly Geoffrey's lightest, laughing word</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Stung to the quick, and stabbed her quivering life,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till from each shuddering wound the red joy flowed;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, though a ruddy fire on each cheek glowed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She felt her drainèd heart within her cold;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then all at once a hot thought stirred new strife</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within her breast, and suddenly grown old</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And wise in treacherous imagining,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She pressed her thin lips to a bitter smile,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And strove with laughing mask to hide the guile</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That, slowly welling, through her body poured</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Cold-blooded life that feels no arrowy sting</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of joy or hope, nor thrust of pity's sword.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To Christine, where she yet enraptured stood,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hild, turning, spake kind words, and coldly praised</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The new-made knight. Each word Christine amazed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Drank in with joyous heart and eager ears;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To her it seemed ne'er lived a Queen so good;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And love's swift rapture filled her eyes with tears.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For her true heart, the day-long pageant moved</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Round Geoffrey's shining presence; king and knight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But shone for her with pale, reflected light.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As trancèd planets circling round the sun,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About the radiant head of her beloved</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The dim throngs moved until the day was done.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When lucent gold suffused the cloudless west,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And lingering thrush-notes failed in drowsy song,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She left, at last, the weary maiden-throng,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To stray alone through dew-hung garden-glades;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all the love unsealed within her breast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flowed out from her to light the darkest shades.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her quivering maiden-body could not hold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sudden welling of love's loosened flood;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through all her limbs it gushed, and in her blood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It stormed each throbbing pulse with blissful ache;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It seemed to spray the utmost glooms with gold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And scatter glistening dews in every brake.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While yet she moved in rapture unafraid</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the lilies, down the Grey Nun's Walk,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She heard behind the snapping of a stalk,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And stayed transfixed, nor dared to turn her head,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But stood a solitary, trembling maid--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Forlorn and frail, with all her courage fled.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Thus Geoffrey found her as, hot-foot, he pressed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To pour about her all the glowing tide</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Day-pent within his heart; the flood-gates wide,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His love swept over her, sea after sea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until life almost swooned within her breast,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And she seemed like to drown in ecstasy.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet, as the tempest sank in calm at last,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She rose from out the foam of love, new-born--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As Venus from the irised surf of morn--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To such triumphant beauty, Geoffrey, thralled,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before her stood in wonder rooted fast;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Even his love within him bowed appalled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In tongueless worship as he gazed on her;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While, lily-like, the trancèd flowers among,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She stood, love-radiant, and above her hung</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The canopy of star-enkindling night;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though, when again she moved with joyous stir,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He sprang to her in love's unchallenged might.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">II.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night, beside her slumbering lord, the Queen</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Tossed sleepless--every aching sense astrain</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With tingling wakefulness that racked like pain</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her weary limbs; all night, in wide-eyed dread,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She watched the slow hours moving dark between</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The glimmering window and the curtained bed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The fitful calling of the owl, all night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Struck like the voice of terror on her ears;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With brushing wings, about her taloned fears</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fluttered till dawn: when, as the summer gloom,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Grey-quivering, spilt in silver-showering light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She rose and stood within the dawning room,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shivering and pale--her long, unbraided hair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Each moment quickening to a livelier gold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About her snowy shoulders; yet, more cold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Than the still gleam of winter-frozen meres,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her blue eyes shone with strange, unseeing stare,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As though they sought to pierce some mist of fears;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, when she turned, the old familiar things</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unknown and alien seemed to her sight--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Outworn and faded in the morning light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The rose-embroidered tapestries, and frail</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The painted Love that hung on irised wings</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above the sleeping King. Dark-browed and pale</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She looked upon her lord, and fresh despair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With dreadful calm through all her being stole,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And froze with icy breath the flickering soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That strove within her. Evil courage steeled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her heart once more, as, combing back her hair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She watched the waking world of wood and field:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hay-harvesters with long scythes flashing white;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The dewy-browsing deer; the blue smoke-curl</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above some woodland hut; a kerchiefed girl</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Driving the kine afield with loitering pace.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, as a youthful rider came in sight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She from the casement turned with darkening face,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And looked not out again, and fiercely pressed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her white teeth in her quivering underlip,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To stifle the wild cry that strove to slip</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From her strained throat; with clutching hands she sought</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To stay the throbbing tumult of her breast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That fluttered like a bird in meshes caught.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine as yet in dreamless slumber lay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within her turret-chamber; but a bird</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the laurel singing softly stirred</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her eyes to wakeful life, and from her bed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She rose and stood within the light of day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>White-faced and wondering, with lifted head.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As April-butterflies, new-winged for flight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That poise awhile in quivering amaze,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere they may dare the unknown, glittering ways</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of perilous airs--upon the brink of morn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She paused one moment in the showering light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In radiant ecstasy of youth forlorn.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then swift remembrance flushed her virgin snow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And wakened in her eyes the living fire;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With joyous haste she drew her bright attire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About her trembling limbs, with eager hands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Veiling her maiden beauty's morning glow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before she looked abroad on meadowlands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where Geoffrey rode at dawn. Across the blaze</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of dandelions silvering to seed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She saw his white horse swing with easy speed;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He rode with head exultant in the breeze</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That lifted his brown hair. With lingering gaze</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She watched him vanish down an aisle of trees;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, swiftly gathering her dark hair in braids</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Above her slender neck, she crossed the floor</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With noiseless step, unlatched the creaking door,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And stole in trembling silence down the stair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Intent to reach the garden ere the maids</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Should come with chattering tongues and laughter there;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When by her side she heard a rustling stir:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The arras parted, and before her stood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen Hild in proud, imperious womanhood,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Looking upon her with cold, smiling eyes.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In startled wonder Christine glanced at her.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then spake the Queen: "Do maids thus early rise</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To tend their household duties, or to feed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The doves, relinquishing sleep's precious hours</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To see the morning dew upon the flowers</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And what frail blooms have perished 'neath the moon?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To reach the Grey Nun's Walk, mayhap you speed--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To count the stricken buds of lilies strewn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>O'ernight upon the soil by careless feet</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That wandered there so late? Yea, now I know,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine, because you flush and tremble so.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet look you not on me with eyes that burn;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I would not stay you when you go to greet</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The rider of the dawn on his return.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Think you I leave my bed at break of day--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I, Hild the Queen--to thwart a lover's kiss?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Think you my love of you could stoop to this,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though you would wed a fledgling, deedless Knight?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nay, shrink you not from me, turn not away;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because my heart has never known love's light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I fain would hear your happy tale of love,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That I may prosper you and your fair youth.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Will you not trust me?" Blind with love's glad truth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine sank down within Hild's outstretched arms.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Speechless, awhile, with sobbing breath she strove;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then poured out all the tale of love's alarms,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Raptures, despairs, and deathless ecstasies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In one quick torrent from her brimming heart;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, quaking, ceased, and drew herself apart,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dismayed that she so easily had revealed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To this white, cold-eyed Queen love's sanctities.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet Hild moved not, but stood, with hard lips sealed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until, the chiming of the turret-bell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Recalling her, she spake with far-off voice:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"I, loveless, in your innocent love rejoice.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>May nothing stem its eager raptured course!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, that my barren heart could love so well,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And feel the surge of love's subduing force!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet even I from out my dearth may give</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To you, Christine. Would you that Geoffrey's name</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shall shine, unchallenged, on the lists of fame?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>If you would have him win for you the crown</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of knightly immortality, and live</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Triumphant on men's tongues in high renown,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Follow me now." With cold, exulting eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She raised the arras, opening to the light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>An unknown stair-way clambering into night.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the caverned wall she swiftly passed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine for one brief moment in surprise</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Uncertain paused; then, wondering, followed fast.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The falling arras shutting out the day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She stumbled blindly through the soaring gloom--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Enclosing dank and chilly as the tomb</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her panting life; and unto her it seemed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That ever, as she climbed, more sheer the way</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before her rose, and ever fainter gleamed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The wan, white star of light that overhead</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hovered remote. Far up the stair she heard</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A silken rustling as, without a word,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Relentlessly Queen Hild before her sped</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For ever up the ever-soaring steep.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But when it almost seemed that she must fall--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>So loudly in her ears the pulses beat,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And each step seemed to sink beneath her feet--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She heard the shrilly grating of a key,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And saw, above her, in the unseen wall,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A dazzling square of day break suddenly.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the lighted doorway Queen Hild turned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To reach a helping hand, and, as she bent</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To clutch the swooning maiden, well-nigh spent,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And drew her to the chamber, weak and faint,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Through her gold hair so rare a lustre burned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It seemed to Christine that an aureoled saint</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Leaned out from heaven to snatch her from the deep.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, dizzily, she sank upon the floor,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dreaming that toil was over evermore,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And she secure in Love's celestial fold;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till, waking gradually as from a sleep,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her dark eyes opened on a blaze of gold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She sat within a chamber hung around</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With glistering tapestry, whereon a knight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Who bore a golden helm above the fight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For ever triumphed o'er assailing swords,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Or led the greenwood chase with horse and hound,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While far behind him lagged the dames and lords</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all the hunting train; till he, at length,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Brought low the antlered quarry on the brink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of some deep, craggy cleft, wherefrom did shrink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The quailing hounds with lathered flanks aquake.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As Christine looked on them, her maiden-strength</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Returned to her; and now, more broad awake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She saw, within the centre of the room,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A golden table whereon glittered bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A casket of wrought gold, and, in the light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen Hild, awaiting her, with smiling lips,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And laughing words: "Is this then love's sad doom,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To perish, fainting, in light's brief eclipse</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between a curtain and a closed door?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shall this bright casket ever hold, unsought,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The golden helm--in elfin-ages wrought</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For some star-destined knight--because love's heart</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Grows faint within her? Shall the world no more</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Acclaim its helmèd lord?" But, with a start,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine arose, and swiftly forward came</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With eager eyes, and stooped with fluttering breast--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her slender, shapely hands together pressed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In tense expectancy, and all her face</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With quivering light of wondering love aflame.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The Queen bent down, and in a breathing space</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unlocked the casket with a golden key,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And deftly loosed a little golden pin;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The heavy lid swung open and, within,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To Christine's eyes revealed the golden helm.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then spake Queen Hild, once more: "Your love-gift see!</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Think you that any smith in all the realm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Can beat dull metal to so fair a casque?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In jewelled caverns of enchantment old</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>This helm was wrought of magic-tempered gold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To yieldless strength, by elfin-hammers chased,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That toiled unwearied at their age-long task,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And over it an unknown legend traced</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In letters of some world-forgotten tongue.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At noon, with careful footing, down the stair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto the hall the casket you must bear,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When King and knight are gathered round the board,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, ere the tales be told or songs be sung,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Acclaim your love the golden-helmed lord."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine, awhile, in speechless wonderment,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hung o'er the glistering helm, and silence fell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the arrased chamber like a spell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While softly, on some distant, sunlit roof,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The basking pigeons cooed with deep content;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till, far below, a sudden-clanging hoof</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Startled the morn. The women's lifted eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One moment met in kindred ecstasy;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then Hild, with hopeless shudder, shaking free,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With strained voice spake: "Why do you longer wait?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your love returns; shall he, in sad surprise,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Find no glad face to greet him at the gate?"</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">III.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>As some new jest was tossed from tongue to tongue,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Light laughter rippled round the midday board,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath the bannered rafters: dame and lord</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And maid and squire with merry chattering</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sat feasting; though no motley humour wrung</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A smile from Hild, where she, beside the King,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Watched pale and still. She saw on Geoffrey's face</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Grave wonder that he caught not anywhere</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the maids the dusk of Christine's hair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Or sunlight of her glance. His eyes, between</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The curtained doorway and her empty place,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Kept eager, anxious vigil for Christine.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But when, at last, the lingering meal nigh o'er,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The waking harp-notes trembled through the hush,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Like the light, fitful prelude of the thrush</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere his full song enchant the domèd elm;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The arras parting, through the open door</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She came. Before her borne, the golden helm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within the dim-lit hall shone out so bright,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That lord and dame in rustling wonder rose,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And squire and maiden sought to gather close,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With questioning lips, about the love-bright maid.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine, unheeding, turned nor left nor right;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With lifted head and eager step unstayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She strode to Geoffrey, while he stood alone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Radiant with wondering love--as one who sees</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The light of high, eternal mysteries</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Illume awhile the mortal shade that moves</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From out oblivion unto night unknown,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hugging a little grace of joys and loves.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before him now she came and, kneeling, spake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With slow, clear-welling voice: "In ages old</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>This helm was wrought from elfin-hammered gold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For one who, in the after-days, should be</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Supreme above his kind, as, in the brake</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of branching fern, the solitary tree</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That crests the fell-top. Unto you I bring</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The gift of destiny, that, as the sun</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>New-risen of your knighthood, newly-won,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The wondering world may see its glory shine."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As Christine spake, with questioning glance the King</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Turned to the Queen, who gave no answering sign.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, stretching forth his arm, he cried: "Sir knight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I know not by what evil chance this maid</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Has climbed the secret newell-stair unstayed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And reached the casket-chamber, and has borne</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From thence the Helm of Strife, whereon the light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of day has never fallen, night or morn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For seven hundred years; but, ere you take</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The doomful gift, know this: he who shall dare</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To don the golden helm must ever fare</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon the edge of peril, ever ride</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Between dark-ambushed dangers, ever wake</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto the thunderous crash of battle-tide.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Oh, pause before you take the fateful helm.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Will you, so young, forego, for evermore,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The sheltered haven-raptures of the shore,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To strive in ceaseless tempest, till, at last,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The fury-crested wave shall overwhelm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your broken life on death's dark crag upcast?"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He ceased, and stood with eyes of hot appeal;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>An aching silence shuddered through the hall;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>None stirred nor spake, though, swaying like to fall,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine, in mute, imploring agony,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wavered nigh death. As glittering points of steel</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen Hild's eyes gleamed in bitter victory.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But all were turned to Geoffrey, where he stood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In pillared might of manhood, very fair;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His face a little paled beneath his hair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though bright his eyes with all the light of day.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At length he spake: "For evil or for good,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>I take the Helm of Strife; let come what may."</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">IV.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Dawn shivered coldly through the meadowlands;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The ever-trembling aspens by the stream</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Quivered with chilly light and fitful gleam;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ruffling the heavy foliage of the plane,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until the leaves turned, like pale, lifted hands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A cold gust stirred with presage of near rain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Coldly the light on Geoffrey's hauberk fell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But yet more cold on Christine's heart there lay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The winter-clutch of grief, as, far away,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She saw him ride, and in the stirrup rise</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, turning, wave to her a last farewell.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beyond the ridge he vanished, and her eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Caught the far flashing of the helm of gold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>One moment as it glanced with mocking light;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then naught but tossing pine-trees filled her sight.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet darker gloomed the woodlands 'neath the drench</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of pillared showers; colder and yet more cold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her heart had shuddered since the last, hot wrench</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of parting overnight. Though still her mouth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Felt the mute impress of love's sacred seal;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though still through all her senses seemed to steal</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The heavy fume of wound-wort that had hung</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All night about the hedgerows--parched with drouth;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though the first notes the missel-cock had sung,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere darkness fled, resounded in her ears;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet no hot tempest of tumultuous woe</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Shook her young body. As night-fallen snow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Burdens with numb despair young April's green,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her sorrow lay upon her; hopes and fears</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within her slept. As something vaguely seen</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nor realised--since yesterday's dread noon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had shattered all love's triumph--life had passed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About her like a dream by doom o'ercast.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Long hours she sat, with silent, folded hands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And face that glimmered like a winter moon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In cloudy hair. Across the rain-grey lands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She gazed with eyes unseeing; till she heard</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A step within her chamber, and her name</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fell dully on her ear; then like a flame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sharp anguish shot through every aching limb</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With keen remembrance. Suddenly she stirred,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, turning, looked on Hild. "Grieve you for him..."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The Queen began; then, with a little gasp,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her voice failed, and she shrank before the gaze</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of Christine's eyes, and, shrivelled by the blaze</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of fires her hand had kindled, all her pride</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fell shredded, and not even the gold clasp</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of queenhood held, her naked deed to hide.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She quailed, and, turning, fled from out the room.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Soon Christine's wrath was drowned in whelming grief,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And in the fall of tears she found relief--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As brooding skies in sweet release of rain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All day she wept, until, at length, the gloom</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of eve laid soothing hands upon her pain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, once again, she rose, calm-browed, and sped</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Downstairs with silent step, and reached, unstayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The Grey Nun's Walk, where all alone a maid</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Drank in the rain-cooled air. With low-breathed words,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They whispered long together, while, o'erhead,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From rain-wet branches rang the song of birds.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The maiden often paused as in alarm;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, with uncertain, half-delaying pace,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She left Christine, returning in a space</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With Philip, Christine's brother, a young squire,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Who strode by her with careless, swinging arm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And eager face, with keen, blue eyes afire.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then all three stood, with whispering heads bent low,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In eager converse clustered; till, at last,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They parted, and, with high hopes beating fast,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine unto her turret-room returned--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her dark eyes bright and all her face aglow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As if some new-lit rapture in her burned.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>About her little chamber swift she moved,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until, at length, in travelling array,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She paused to rest, and all-impatient lay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon her snow-white bed, and watched the light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Fail from the lilied arras that she loved</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because her hand had wrought each petal white</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And slender, emerald stem. The falling night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Was lit for her with many a memory</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of little things she could no longer see,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That had been with her in old, happy hours,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before her girlish joys had taken flight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As morning dews from noon-unfolding flowers.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For her, with laggard pace the minutes trailed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Till night seemed to eternity outdrawn.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At last, an hour before the summer-dawn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She rose and once again, with noiseless tread,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Crept down the stair, grey-cloaked and closely veiled,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While every shadow struck her cold with dread</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Lest, drawing back the arras, Hild should stand</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With mocking smile before her; but, unstayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She reached the stair-foot, and, no more afraid,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She sought a low and shadow-hidden door,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Slid back the silent bolts with eager hand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And stepped into the garden dim once more.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She quickly crossed a dewy-plashing lawn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, passing through a little wicket-gate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She reached the road. Not long had she to wait</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Ere, with two bridled horses, Philip came.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Silent they mounted; far they fared ere dawn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Burnished the castle-weathercock to flame.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">V.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Northward they climbed from out the valley mist;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Northward they crossed the sun-enchanted fells;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Northward they plunged down deep, fern-hidden dells;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And northward yet--until the sapphire noon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had burned and glowed to thunderous amethyst</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of evening skies about an opal moon;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Northward they followed fast the loud-tongued fame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of young Sir Geoffrey of the golden helm;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until it seemed that storm must overwhelm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Their weary flight. They sought a lodging-place,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And soon upon a lonely cell they came</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wherein a hermit laboured after grace.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>On beds of withered bracken, soft and warm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>He housed them, and himself, all night, alone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Knelt in long vigil on the aching stone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Within his little chapel, though, all night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His prayers were drowned by thunders of the storm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And all about him flashed blue, pulsing light.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine in calm, undreaming slumber lay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nor stirred till, clear and glittering, the morn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sang through the forest; though, with roots uptorn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The mightiest-limbed and highest-soaring oak</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had fallen charred, with green leaves shrivelled grey.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>At tinkling of the matin-bell she woke,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And soon with Philip left the woodland boughs</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>For barer uplands. Over tawny bent</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And purpling heath they rode till day was spent;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, down within a broad, green-dusking dale,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They sought the shelter of the holy house</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of God's White Sisters of the Virgin's Veil.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>So, day by day, they ever northward pressed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until they left the lands of peace behind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And rode among the border-hills, where blind</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Insatiate warfare ever rages fierce;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where night-winds ever fan a fiery crest,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And dawn's light breaks on bright, embattled spears:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A land whose barren hills are helmed with towers;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A lone, grey land of battle-wasted shires;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A land of blackened barns and empty byres;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A land of rock-bound holds and robber-hordes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of slumberous noons and wakeful midnight hours,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of ambushed dark and moonlight flashing swords.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With hand on hilt and ever-kindling eyes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flushed face and quivering nostril, Philip rode;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But nought assailed them; every lone abode</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Forsaken seemed; all empty lay the land</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Beneath the empty sky; only the cries</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of plovers pierced the blue on either hand;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Until, at sudden cresting of a hill,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The clang of battle sounded on their ears,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And, far below, they saw a surge of spears</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Crash on unyielding ranks; while, from the sea</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of striving steel, with deathly singing shrill,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A spray of arrows flickered fitfully.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Amazed they stood, wide-eyed, with holden breath;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, of a sudden, flashed upon their sight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The golden helm in midmost of the fight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Where, with high-lifted head and undismayed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sir Geoffrey rode, a very lord of death,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With ever-leaping, ever-crashing blade.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine watched long, now cold with quaking dread,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Now hot with hope as each assailant fell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The bright sword held her gaze as by a spell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Because love blinded her to all but love,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unmoved she watched the foemen shudder dead,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She whose heart erst the meanest woe could move.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, dazed, she saw a solitary shaft,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unloosed with certain aim from out the bow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Strike clean through Geoffrey's hauberk, and bring low</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The golden helm, while o'er him swiftly met</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The tides of fight. Christine a little laughed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With rattling throat, and stood with still eyes set.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Scarce Philip dared to raise his eyes to hers</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To see the terror there. No word she spake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But leaned a little forward through the brake</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>That bloomed about her in a golden blaze;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her hands were torn to bleeding by the furze,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet nothing could disturb that dreadful gaze.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then, gradually, the heaving battle swerved</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To northward, faltering broken, and afar</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It closed again, where, round a jutting scar,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The flashing torrent of the river curved.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With eager step Christine ran down the hill,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And sped across the late-forsaken field</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To where, with shattered sword and splintered shield,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Among the mounded bodies Geoffrey lay.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She loosed his helm, but deathly pale and still</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>His young face gleamed within the light of day.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine beside him knelt, as Philip sought</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A draught of water from the peat-born stream;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When, in his eyes, at last, a fitful gleam</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flickered, and bending low, with straining ears,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The laboured breathing of her name she caught;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And over his dead face fell fast her tears.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Once more towards them the tide of battle swept;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Christine moved not. Young Philip on her cried,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And strove, in vain, to draw her safe aside.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A random shaft in her unshielded breast--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though hot to stay its course her brother leapt--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Struck quivering, and she slowly sank to rest.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">VI.</span></p> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen Hild sat weaving in her garden-close,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When on her startled ear there fell the news</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of Christine's flight before the darkling dews</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Had thrilled with dawn. A strand of golden thread</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Slipped from her trembling fingers as she rose</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And hastened to the castle with drooped head.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All morn she paced within her blinded room,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unresting, to and fro, her white hands clenched;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>All morn within her tearless eyes, unquenched,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Blue fires of anger smouldered, yet no moan</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Escaped her lips. Without, in summer bloom,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The garden murmured with bliss-burdened drone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of hover-flies and lily-charmed bees;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sometimes a finch lit on the window-ledge,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With shrilly pipe, or, from the rose-hung hedge,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A blackbird fluted; yet she neither heard</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Nor heeded aught; until, by rich degrees,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Drowsed into noon the noise of bee and bird.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, even when, without her chamber, stayed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A doubtful step, and timid fingers knocked,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She answered not, but, swiftly striding, locked</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yet more secure, with angry-clicking key,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The bolted door, and the affrighted maid</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto the waiting hall fled, fearfully.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wearied at last, upon her bed Queen Hild</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In fitful slumber sank; but evil dreams</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Of battle-stricken lands and blood-red streams</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Swirled through her brain. Then, suddenly, she woke,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wide-eyed, and sat upright, with body chilled,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though in her throat the hot air seemed to choke.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Swiftly she rose; then, binding her loosed hair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She bathed her throbbing brows, and, cold and calm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Downstairs she glided, while the evening-psalm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In maiden-voices quavered, faint and sweet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And from the chapel-tower, through quivering air,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The bell's clear silver-tinkling clove the heat.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She strode into the hall where yet the King</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sat with his knights; a weary minstrel stirred</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Cool, throbbing wood-notes, throated like a bird,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From his soft-stringèd lute. With scornful eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Hild looked on them and spake: "Can nothing sting</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Your slumberous hearts from slothful peace to rise?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Must only stripling-knights and maidens ride</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To battle, where, unceasing, foemen wage</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>War on your marches, and your wardens rage</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In impotent despair with desperate swords,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>While you, O King, with sheathèd arms abide?"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She paused, and, wondering, the King and lords</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Looked on her mutely; then, again, she spake:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Shall I, then, and my maidens sally forth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With battle-brands to conquer the wild north?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Yea, I will go! Who follows after me?"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>As by a blow struck suddenly awake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The King leapt up, and, like a clamorous sea,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The knights about him. Scornfully the Queen</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Looked on them: "So my woman's words have roused</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The hands that slumbered and the hearts that drowsed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Make ready then for battle; ere seven days</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Have passed, the dawn must light your armour's sheen,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And in the sun your pennoned lances blaze."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Her voice ceased; and a pulsing flame of light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Flashed through the hall; in crashing thunder broke</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The heavy, hanging heat; the rafters woke</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In echo as the rainy torrent poured;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Bright gleamed the rapid lightning; yet more bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The war-lust kindled hot in every lord.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>To clang of armour the seventh morning stirred</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>From slumber; restless hoof and champing bit</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Aroused the garth; and day, arising, lit</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A hundred lances, as, each bolt withdrawn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The courtyard-gate swung wide with noise far-heard,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And flickering pennons rode into the dawn--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before his knights, the King, and at his side,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen Hild, with ever-northward-gazing eyes;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>But, ere they far had fared, in mute surprise</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They stayed and all drew rein, as down the road</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They saw a little band of warriors ride--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sore travel-stained--who bore a heavy load</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Upon a branch-hung litter; while before</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Came Philip, bearing a war-broken lance.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Though King and lords looked, wondering, in a glance</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Queen Hild had read the sorrow of his face</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And pierced the leaf-hid secret--which e'ermore</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A brand of fire upon her heart would trace.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Darkness about her swirled, but, with a fierce</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Wild, conquering shudder, shaking herself free,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Unto the light she clung, though like a sea</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>It surged and eddied round her; yet so still</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She sat, none knew her steely eyes could pierce</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The leafy screen. With guilty terror chill,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>She heard the king speak--sadly riding forth:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>"Whence come you, Philip, battle-stained and slow?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>What burden bear you with such brows of woe?"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Then Philip answered, mournfully: "I bring</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Two wanderers home from out the perilous north.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Prepare to gaze on death's defeat, O King."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>They lowered the litter slowly to the ground;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Back fell the branches; in the light of day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>In calm, white sleep Christine and Geoffrey lay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And at their feet the baleful Helm of Strife</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Sword-cloven. Hushed stood all the knights around,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>When spake the King, alighting: "Come, O wife,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>And let us twain, with humble heads low-bowed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Even at the feet of love triumphant stand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>A little while together, hand in hand."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>The Queen obeyed; but, fearfully, she shrank</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>Before the eyes of death, and, quaking, cowed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span>With moaning cry, low in the dust she sank.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">PRINTED BY R. FOLKARD AND SON,<br /> + 23, DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE, BLOOMSBURY.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"></div><!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> + <div class="backmatter"></div> + <div class="cleardoublepage"></div> + </div> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42052 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/42052-h/42052-h.html b/42052-h/42052-h.html deleted file mode 100644 index a0366e5..0000000 --- a/42052-h/42052-h.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3625 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?> -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd'> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> -<meta name="generator" content="Docutils 0.8.1: http://docutils.sourceforge.net/" /> -<style type="text/css"> -/* -Project Gutenberg common docutils stylesheet. - -This stylesheet contains styles common to HTML and EPUB. 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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>THE GOLDEN HELM</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Golden Helm" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Wilfrid Wilson Gibson" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1903" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="42052" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-02-08" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Golden Helm and Other Verse" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Golden Helm and Other Verse" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="helm.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-02-09T03:08:12.548064+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42052" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Wilfrid Wilson Gibson" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2013-02-08" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a5 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-golden-helm"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE GOLDEN HELM</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Golden Helm -<br /> and Other Verse -<br /> -<br />Author: Wilfrid Wilson Gibson -<br /> -<br />Release Date: February 08, 2013 [EBook #42052] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE GOLDEN HELM</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 50%" id="figure-10"> -<span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE -<br />GOLDEN HELM -<br />AND OTHER VERSE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />WILFRID WILSON GIBSON</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON -<br />ELKIN MATHEWS, VIGO STREET -<br />1903</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container dedication"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">TO -<br />HOWARD PEASE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">BY THE SAME WRITER</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">URLYN THE HARPER AND OTHER SONG</em><span class="medium"> -<br /></span><em class="italics medium">THE QUEEN'S VIGIL AND OTHER SONG</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Thanks are due to Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., for -permission to reprint "The King's Death," "The Three -Kings," and the first part of "Averlaine and Arkeld," -from </span><em class="italics">The Cornhill Magazine</em><span>; to the editor of -</span><em class="italics">Macmillan's Magazine</em><span> for leave to reprint "In the Valley"; -to the editor of </span><em class="italics">The Saturday Review</em><span> for leave to -reprint "Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière"; and to the -editors of </span><em class="italics">The Pilot, The Outlook, The Pall Mall Gazette, -Country Life, The Week's Survey</em><span>, and </span><em class="italics">The Broadsheet</em><span>, -for like courtesy with regard to a number of "The Songs -of Queen Averlaine."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">Contents</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-torch">The Torch</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-unknown-knight">The Unknown Knight</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-king-s-death">The King's Death</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-knight-of-the-wood">The Knight of the Wood</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#notre-dame-de-la-belle-verriere">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#in-the-valley">In the Valley</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-vision-a-christmas-mystery">The Vision: a Christmas Mystery</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-three-kings">The Three Kings</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#the-songs-of-queen-averlaine">The Songs of Queen Averlaine</a><span> -<br /></span><a class="reference internal" href="#id1">The Golden Helm</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-torch"><span class="large">The Torch</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Through skies blown clear by storm, o'er storm-spent seas,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Day kindled pale with promise of full noon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of blue unclouded; no night-weary wind</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ruffled the slumberous, heaving deeps to white,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though round the Farne Isles the waves never sink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In foamless sleep--about the pillared crags</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For ever circling with unresting spray.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At dawn's first glimmer, from his island-cell--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Rock-hewn, secure from tempest--Oswald came</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With slow and weary step, white-faced and worn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With night-long vigil for storm-perilled souls.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His anxious eye with sharp foreboding bright--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He scanned the treacherous flood; the long froth-trail</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That marks the lurking reefs; the jag-toothed chasms</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Which, foaming, gape at night beneath the keel--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The mouth of hell to storm-bewildered ships:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But no scar-stranded vessel met his glance.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Relieved, he drank the glistering calm of morn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With nostril keen and warm lips parted wide;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While, gradually, the sun-enkindled air</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Quickened his pallid cheek with youthful flame,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though lonely years had silvered his dark head,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And round his eyes had woven shadow-meshes.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Clearly he caught the ever-clamorous cries</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of guillemot and puffin from afar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, canopied by hovering, white wings,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They crowded naked pinnacles of rock.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He watched, with eyes of glistening tenderness,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The brooding eider--Cuthbert's sacred bird,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That bears among the isles his saintly name--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Breast the calm waves; a black, wet-gleaming fin</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Cleft the blue waters with a foaming jag,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, close behind the restless herring-herd,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With ravening maw of death, the porpoise sped.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oswald, light-tranced, dreamed in the sun awhile;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till, suddenly, as some old sorrow starts,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though years have glided by with soothing lull,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The gust of ancient longing rent his bliss:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His narrow isle, as by some darkling spell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>More narrow shrank; the gulls' unceasing cries</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Grew still more fretful; and his hermit-life</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A sea-scourged desolation to him seemed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The holy tree of peace--which he had dreamt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Would flourish in the wilderness afresh,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upspringing ever in new ecstasy</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of branching beauty and white blooms of truth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till its star-tangling crest should cleave the sky,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And angels rustle through its topmost boughs--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Seemed sapless, rootless. Through his quivering limbs</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His famine-wasted youth to life upleapt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With passionate yearning for humanity:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The stir of towns; the jostling of glad throngs;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Welcoming faces and warm-clasping hands;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, even for the lips and eyes of Love</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He hungered with keen pangs of old desire:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, if for him these might not be, he craved</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At least the exultation of swift peril--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The red-foamed riot of delirious strife</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That rears a bloody crest o'er peaceful shires,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, slaying, in a swirl of slaughter dies.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With brow uplifted and strained, pulsing throat,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And salt-parched lips out-thrust, unto the sun</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He stretched beseeching hands, as though he sought</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To snatch some glittering disaster thence.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One moment radiant thus; and then once more</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His arms dropped listless, and he slowly shrank</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within his sea-stained habit, cowering dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Amid the azure blaze of sea and sky.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, stirring, with impatient step he moved</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Across the isle to where the rocky shore,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Forming a little, crag-encircled bay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sloped steeply to the level of the sea;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, as he neared the edges of the tide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Startled, he paused, as, marvelling, he saw</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A woman on the shelving, wet, black rock,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lying, forlorn, among the storm-wrack, white</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And motionless; still wet, her raiment clung</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About her limbs, and with her wet, gold hair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Green sea-weed tangled. Oswald on her looked</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Amazed, as one who, in a sea-born trance,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Discovers the lone spirit of the storm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Self-spent at last, and sunk in dreamless slumber</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within some caverned gloom. Coldly he watched</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The little waves creep up the glistening rock,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, faltering, slide once more into the deep,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though they feared to waken her: at length,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When one, more venturous, about her stole,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And moved her heavy hair as if with life,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He shuddered; and a lightning-knowledge struck</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His heart with fear; and in a flash he knew</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That no sea-phantom couched before him lay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But some frail fellow-creature, tempest-tost,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hung yet in peril on the edge of death,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her weak life slipping from the saving grasp</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While he delayed. He sprang through plashy weed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O'er slippery ridges, to the rock whereon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She lay with upturned face and close-shut eyes--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One hand across her breast, the other dipped</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within a shallow pool of emerald water,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With blue-veined fingers clutching the red fronds</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of frail sea-weed. Then Oswald, bending, felt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon his cheek the feeble breath that still</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fluttered between the pallid, parted lips.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In trembling haste, he loosed the sodden cords</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That bound her to a spar; and with hot hands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He chafed her icy limbs, until the glow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of life returned. With fitful quivering</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The white lids opened; and she looked on him</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With dull, unwondering eyes whose deep-sea blue</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The gloom of death's late passing shadowed yet;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When suddenly light thrilled them, and bright fear</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flashed from their depths, and, with a little gasp,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She strove to rise; but Oswald with quick words</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Calmed her weak terror, and she sank once more,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Closing her eyes; and, gently lifting her</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within his arms--her gold hair hanging straight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And heavy with sea-water, as he plunged</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Knee-deep through pools of crackling bladder-weed--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He bore her, unresisting, o'er the isle</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto the rock-built shelter he had reared,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some little way apart from his own cell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For storm-stayed fishers or wrecked mariners.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He laid her on a bed of withered bents,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And ministered to her with gentle hands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And ceaseless care; till, wrapped in warm, deep sleep,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She sank oblivious. Silently he placed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His island-fare beside her on the board,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lest she should wake in need; then, with hushed step,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He turned to go; but, ere he reached the door,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He paused, and looked again towards the bed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though he feared his strange sea-guest might flee</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like some wild spirit, born of wondering foam,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That wins from man the shelter of his breast,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, on a night of moon-enchanted tides,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Leaps with shrill laughter to its native seas,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Bearing his soul within its glistening arms,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To drown his peace on earth and hope of heaven</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In cold eternities of lightless deeps.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But still in dreamless sleep the stranger lay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With parted lips and breathing soft and calm;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About her head unloosed, her hair outshone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among the grey-green bents, like fine, red gold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>So beautiful she was that Oswald, pierced</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With quivering rapture, dared no longer bide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, with quick fingers, softly raised the latch,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And stumbled o'er the threshold. As he went,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A flock of sea-gulls from the bent-thatched roof</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Rose, querulous, and round him, wheeling, swept,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With creaking wings and cold, black eyes agleam;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet Oswald saw them not, nor heard their cries;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nor saw he, as he paced the eastern crags,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How, round the Farnes, the dreaming ocean lay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In broad, unshadowed, sapphire ecstasy,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That glowed to noon through slow, uncounted hours.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His early gloom had vanished; time and space</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And earth and sea no longer compassed him;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One thought alone consumed him--beauty slept</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the shelter of his hermitage,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon grey, rustling bents, with golden hair.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He roamed, unresting, till the copper sun</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sank in a steel-grey sea, and earth and sky</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Were strewn with shadows--wavering and dim--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To weave a pathway for the dawning moon,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That she, from night's oblivion, might create</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With the cold spell of her enchantments old</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A phantom earth with magical, bright seas,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A vaster heaven of unrevealed stars.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unmoving, on a headland of swart crag</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That jutted gaunt and sharp against the night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Stood Oswald, cowled and silent. Hour by hour</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He gazed across the sea, which nothing shadowed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Save where--now dim, now white--a lonely sail</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hung, restless, o'er a fisher's barren toil.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet Oswald saw nor sail nor moon nor sea:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His heart kept vigil by the little house</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Wherein the stranger slumbered; and it seemed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His life, by some strange power within him stayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Awaited the unlatching of the door.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>But now, within the hut, the sleeper dreamt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of foaming caverns and o'erwhelming waters;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, shuddering awake, awhile she lay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And watched the moonlight, cold and white, which poured</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through the warm dusk, from the high window-slit;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, all at once, the strangeness of the room</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Closed in upon her with bewildering dread.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She stirred; the bents, beneath her, rustled strange;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She started in affright, and, swaying, stood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the streaming moonlight, till, at last,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In memory, once more disaster swept</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Over her life, and left her, desolate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon bleak crags of alien seas unknown.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet, through the tumult of tempestuous dark,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above the echo of despairing cries,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A calm voice sounded; and beyond the whirl</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of foaming death, wherein she caught the gleam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of well-loved faces drowning in cold seas,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A living face shone out--a beacon clear:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then numbing fear fell from her, and she moved,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unlatched the door, and stole into the night.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One moment, dazzled by the full-moon glare,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She paused, a shivering form within the wide</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And glittering desolation--lone and frail.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But Oswald, watchful on the eastern scars,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Seeing her, forward came with eager pace</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To meet her; and, as he drew swiftly near,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His cowl fell backward; and she knew again</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The face that calmed the terrors of her dreams.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet, with the knowledge, through her being stole,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Vague fear more strange, more impotent than the blind</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unquestioning dread when death had round her stormed;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>No peril of the body could arouse</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Such ecstasy of terror in her soul,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Which seemed upborne upon the shivering crest</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of some great wave, just curving, ere it crash</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon the crags of time. Yet, though she feared</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When Oswald paused, uncertain, quick she spake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though she sought to parry doom with words.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She questioned him--scarce heeding his replies--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How she had hither come; when, suddenly,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sped by her fluttering words, the last, dim cloud</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Rolled from her memory, and she saw revealed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within a pitiless glare of naked light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The utmost horror of her desolation.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Mute with despair, she stood with parted lips,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And then cried fiercely: "Hath the sea upcast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>None other on this shore? Am I, alone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of all my kin who sailed in that doomed ship,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flung back to life?" And as, with piteous glance,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He answered her: "Ah God, that I, with them,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had died! O traitor cords that held too sure</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My body to the broken spar of life!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O feeble seas, that fumed in such wild wrath,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet could not quench so frail a thing as I!"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With passionate step, across the isle she ran,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And leapt from crag to crag, until she stood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon a dizzy scar that jutted sheer</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above low-lapping waves. Then once again</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her moaning cry was heard among the Isles:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"O bitter waters, give them back to me!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>You shall not keep them; all your waves of woe</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Cannot withhold from me those dauntless lives</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That were my life. Surely they cannot rest</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Without me; even from your unfathomed graves</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Surely my love will draw them to my arms!"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though in tremulous expectation tranced,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She yearned, with arms outstretched; as dawn arose</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Exultant from the sea, and with clear rays</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Kindled her wind-tost hair to streaming flame.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Awhile she stood, then, moaning, slowly sank</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon the crag; and Oswald came to her</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With words of comfort which unloosed her pent</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And aching woe in swift, tumultuous tears.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oswald, in silent anguish, drew apart,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Gazing, unseeing, o'er the dawning waves;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until at last the tempest of her grief,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In low and fitful sobbing, spent itself;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, turning to him, once again she spake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, shuddering, with faltering voice, outpoured</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The tale of her despair: and Oswald heard</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How she, who sat thus strangely by his side,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Marna, a sea-earl's daughter, had besought</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her father, when the old sea-hunger lit</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His eyes--as waves shot through with stormy fight--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For leave to bear him company but once,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, with his sons, he rode the adventurous seas;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How he had yielded with reluctant love;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And how, from out the firth of some far strand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Their galley rode, beneath a flaming dawn;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How her young heart had leapt to see the sails</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unfurled to take the wind, as, one by one,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Toil-glistening rowers shipped the dripping oars,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And loosened every sheet before the breeze;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How, as the ship with timbers all astrain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Leapt to mid-sea, through Marna's body thrilled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A kindred rapture, and there came to her</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sheer, delirious joy of them true-born</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To wander with the foam--each creaking cord</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That tugged the quivering mast unto her singing</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of unknown shores and far, enchanted lands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beyond the blue horizon; how, all day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They rode, undaunted, through the spinning surf;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, as the sun dipped, in the cold, grey tide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The wind, that since the dawn with steady speed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had filled the sails, now came in fitful gusts,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fierce and yet fiercer, till the sullen waves</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Were lashed to anger, and the waters leapt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To tussle with the furies of the air;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And how the ship, in the encounter caught,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Was tossed on crests of swirling dark, or dropped</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between o'er-toppling walls of whelming night;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How in those hours--too dread for thought or speech--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her father's hand had bound her to a spar;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, even as--the cord between his teeth--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He tugged the last knot sure, the vessel crashed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon a cleaving scar; and she but saw</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The strong, pale faces looking upon death,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before the fierce, exultant waters closed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With cold oblivion o'er them; and no more</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She knew, until she waked within the hut,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To find her world, in one disastrous night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In one swift surge of roaring darkness, swept</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From her young feet; her kindred, home and friends,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all familiar hopes and joys and fears</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Dropt like a garment from her life, which now</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Stood naked on the edge of some new world</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of unknown terrors.</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Oswald heard her tale</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>With pitying glance; yet in his eyes arose</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A strange, new light, which as each gust of grief</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shook out the fluttering words, more brightly burned;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>So that, when Marna ceased, it seemed to her</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That he, in holy contemplation rapt,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had heeded not her woe; and from her heart</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Burst out a cry: "Ah God, I am alone!"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, stung by her shrill anguish, Oswald waked</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From his bright reverie, and his shining eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Darkened with swift compassion, as he turned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, trembling, spake: "Nay, not alone..."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Then mute</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>He stood--his pale lips clenched--as though within</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>There surged a torrent which he dared not loose.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Marna looked wondering up; but, when her eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Saw the white passion of his face, her soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Was tossed once more on crests of unknown fears;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet rapture warred with terror in her heart;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She trembled, and her breath came short and quick.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She dared not raise her eyes again to his,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till, on her straining ears, his words, once more,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fell, slow and cold and clear as water dripping</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between locked sluice-gates: "Nothing need you fear.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beyond the sea of unknown terrors lie</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>White havens of an undiscovered peace.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For even this bleak, scar-embattled coast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>May yield safe harbour to the storm-spent soul.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your world has fallen from you that you may</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Enter another world, more beautiful,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Built 'neath the shadow of the throne of God.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>There shall you find new friends, who yet will seem</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Familiar to your eyes, because their souls</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Have passed through kindred perils and despairs."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He ceased; and silence, trembling, 'twixt them hung;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till Marna, gazing yet across the sea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Rent it with words: "Where may I find this peace?"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And Oswald answered: "In an inland dale</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The Sisters of the Cross await your coming,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With ever-open gate. Within seven days,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My brethren from the mainland will put out,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Bringing me food; on their return with them</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>You may embark. Till then, this barren rock</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Must be your home." Exultant light once more</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Leapt, flashing, in the depths of his dark eyes.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet Marna looked not up, but, slowly, spake:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Yea, I must go.... But you...."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Then in dismay</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>She stopped, as though the thought had slipped unknown</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From her full heart; but Oswald caught the words,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And spake with hard, quick speech, as if to baffle</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some doubt that strove within him: "On this Isle</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I bide, till God shall kindle my weak soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Once more he paused; and perilous silence swayed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between them, until Oswald, quaking, rose,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As one who dared no longer rest beneath</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O'er-toppling doom. Yet, with calm voice, he spake:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Even within this wilderness abides</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Such beauty that, in your brief sojourn here,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your soul shall starve not; all about you sweeps</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The ever-changing wonder of the sea;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But if, too full of bitter memories,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The bright waves darken, you may lift your eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To watch the swooping gull; the flashing tern;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The stately cormorant and the kittiwake--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Most beautiful of all the island-birds;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Or, if your woman's heart should crave some grace</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>More exquisite, see, frail bell-campions blow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As foam-flowers on the shallow, sandy turf."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As thus he spake, a light in Marna's eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Arose, and sorrow left her for awhile:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And she with bright glance questioned him, and watched</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The hovering gulls, and plucked the snowy blooms,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With little cries at each discovered beauty.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet Oswald by her side walked silently,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And watched, as one struck mute with anguished fear,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her eager eyes, and heard her chattering words.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, suddenly, he left her, but returned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the hour, with faltering step, and spake</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With tremulous voice: "We two must part awhile;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For I must keep lone vigil in my cell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Six days and nights, with fasting and with prayer;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Meanwhile, within the little hut for you</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Are food and shelter till the brethren come.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When I must give you over to their care."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Marna, with wondering heart, looked up at him;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But such a wild light flickered in his eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She dared not speak; and, shuddering, he turned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And strode back swiftly to the hermitage.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Marna looked after him with yearning gaze,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though her heart would have her call him back,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet her lips moved not; motionless, she watched</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until he passed from sight; then, sinking low</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among the flowers, she wept, she knew not why.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>And, as the door closed on him, Oswald fell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Prone on the cold, black, vigil-furrowed rock</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That paved his narrow cell; and long he lay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As in the clutch of some dread waking-trance,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nor stirred until the shadows into night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Were woven. Then unto his feet he leapt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With this wild cry: "O God, why hast Thou sent</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>This scourge most bitter for my naked soul?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I feared not storm nor solitude, O God;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I shrank not from the tempest of Thy wrath;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though oft my weak soul wavered, trampled o'er</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By deedless hours, and yearned unto the world,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ever afresh Thy love hath bound me fast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto this island of Thy lonely seas;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And I, who deemed that I at last might reach--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I who had come through all--Thy golden haven,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Knew not Thy hand withheld this last despair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>This scourge most bitter, being most beautiful."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then on his knees he sank, and tried to pray</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before the Virgin's shrine, where ever burned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His votive taper with unfailing light.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But when his lips would breathe the holy name,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His heart cried: "Marna! Marna!" Every pulse</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Throbbed "Marna!" And his body shook and swayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though it strove to utter that one word,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And cry it once unto eternal stars,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though it should perish crying. Through the cell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The silence murmured: "Marna!" And without</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A lone gull wailed it to the windy night.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He lifted his wild eyes, and in the shrine</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He saw the face of Marna, which outburned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The flickering taper; on the gloom up-surged,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Foam-white, the face of Marna; till the dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flowed pitiful o'er him, and on the stone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He sank unconscious. Night went slowly by,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And pale dawn stole in silence through his cell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, in the light of morn, the taper died,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With feeble guttering; yet he never stirred,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though noonday waxed and waned.</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>But Marna roamed</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>All night beneath the stars. To her it seemed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That not until the closing of the door</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had all hope perished: now death tore, afresh,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her father and her brothers from her arms.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By day and night and under sun and moon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She roamed unresting--seeing, heeding naught--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till weariness o'ercame her, and she slept;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, as she slumbered, snowy-plumed peace</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nestled within her heart; and, when she waked,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She only yearned for that dim, cloistral calm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Embosomed deep in some bough-sheltered vale,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Whither the boat must bear her.</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>In his cell,</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>As night paled slowly to the seventh morn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oswald arose--the fire within his eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet more intense, more fierce. With eager hand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He clutched the latch, and, flinging wide the door,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He strode into the dawn. One moment, dazed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though bewildered by the light, he paused;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, when his glance in restless roving fell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On Marna, standing on the western crag</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Against the setting moon, beneath the dawn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His passion surged upon him, and he shook;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, springing madly forth, he, stumbling, ran,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, falling at her feet upon the rock,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His voice rang out in fearful exultation:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"You shall not go! I cannot let you go!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Has not the tumult tossed you to my breast?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, and not all the storms of all the seas</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shall drag you from me! Nay, you shall not go!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For we will live together on this isle</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Which time has builded in the deeps for us--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>We two together, one in ecstasy,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Throughout eternity; for time shall fall</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From off us; and the world shall be no more:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And God, if God should stand between us now..."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Faltering, he paused; and Marna stood, afraid,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Quaking before him; but she spake no word.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Across the waters came the plash of oars;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But Oswald heard them not, and once more cried:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"You will not go--thrusting me back to death?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For now I know the strange, new thing you brought</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For me from out the storm was life--yea, life;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And I am one arisen from the grave.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>You will not thrust me back and take again</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That which you came through storm to bring to me?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>You will not go? I cannot let you go!"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>He ceased; and now the even plash of oars</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Came clearer. One dread moment Marna stood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Swaying; then, stretching forth her arms, she cried:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Ah God! Ah God! Why hath Thy cold hand set</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>This doom upon me? Must I ever bear</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Death and disaster unto whom I love?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, is it not enough that, 'neath the wave,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because I sought to bear them company,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My father and my brothers lie in death?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But this--ah God--that it should come to this!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Must I bear ever death within my hands?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>She paused one moment, with wild-heaving breast;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, turning unto Oswald, spake again,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With softer voice: "But you--have you no pity?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>You who are but God's servant--surely you</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Have pity on my weakness. From this doom</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Which overhangs me you must set me free.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>You say I brought you life; but in me lies</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For you--the priest of God--a death more deep</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Than all the drowning fathoms of the sea.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I go, that you may live. If life indeed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I brought you, I was but the torch of God</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To kindle the clear flame of your strong soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She ceased, with arms outstretched and lighted eyes.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As on some holy vision Oswald gazed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In rapt, adoring fear; nor spake, nor stirred.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Near, and yet nearer, drew the plash of oars;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, turning in the boat, the brethren looked</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With wondering eyes upon them, whispering: "Lo,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some seraph-messenger of God most high</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Tarries with Oswald. See the strange new peace</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That burns his face like a white altar-flame.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Not yet must we draw near, lest our weak sight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Be blinded by that glory of gold hair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That gleams so strangely in the light of dawn."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-unknown-knight"><span class="large">The Unknown Knight</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>When purple gloomed the wintry ridge</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Against the sunset's windy flame,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>From pine-browed hills, along the bridge,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>An unknown rider came.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I watched him idly from the tower.</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Though he nor looked nor raised his head;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>I felt my life before him cower</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>In dumb, foreboding dread.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I saw him to the portal win</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Unchallenged, and no lackey stirred</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>To take his bridle when within</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>He strode without a word.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Through all the house he passed unstayed,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Until he reached my father's door;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The hinge shrieked out like one afraid;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Then silence fell once more.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>All night I hear the chafing ice</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Float, griding, down the swollen stream;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>I lie fast-held in terror's vice,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Nor dare to think or dream.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I only know the unknown knight</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Keeps vigil by my father's bed:</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, who shall wake to see the light</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Flame all the east with red?</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-king-s-death"><span class="large">The King's Death</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">The sleeping-chamber of the King: a candle burns -dimly by the curtained bed. The arras parts, and -two slaves enter with daggers. A storm of wind rages -without.</em></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: He sleeps.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: He sleeps, whom only death shall rouse</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To dread unsleeping in another world.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: How long the careful night has kept him wakeful,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As if sleep loathed to snare him for our knives!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: Yea, we have crouched so close in quaking dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I scarce can lift my sword-arm: strike you first.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: The heavy waiting hours have crushed my strength;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The hate that burst to such an eager flame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within my heart has smouldered to dull ash,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Which pity breathes to scatter.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: Knows he pity?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: Nay, he is throned above his slaughtered kin,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A reeking sword his sceptre. He has broken,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As one across the knee a faggot snaps,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Strong lives to feed the blaze of his ambition;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet shall a slave's hand strike cold death in him</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For whom kings sweat like slaves?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: Yea, at the stroke</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One slave lies dead--a hundred kings are born;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For every man that breathes will be a king;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Vast empires, beaten-dust beneath his feet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Will rise again and teem with kingly men,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When he, their death, is dead</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: How still he sleeps!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The tempest shrieks to wake him, yet he slumbers.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As seas that foam against unyielding scars,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The mad wind storms the castle, wall and tower,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And is not spent. Hark, it has found a breach--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some latch unloosed--the house is full of wind;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It rushes, wailing, down the corridor;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It seeks the King; it cries on him to waken;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Now 'tis without, and shakes the rattling bolt;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lo, it has broken in, in little gusts,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I feel it in my hair; 'twill lay cold fingers</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon his lips, and start him from his sleep.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>See, it has whipt the yellow flame to smoke.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: And now it fails; the heavy, hanging gold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That shelters him from night is all unstirred.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: Even the wind must pause.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: 'Twas but a breeze</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To blow our sinking courage to clear fire.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Too long we loiter; soon the approaching day</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Will take us, slaves who grasp the arms of men</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet dare not plunge them save in our own breasts.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Come, let us strike!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>(</span><em class="italics">They approach the bed and draw aside the curtain.</em><span>)</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: The King--how still he sleeps!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Can majesty in such calm slumber lie?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: Come, falter not, strike home!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: Hold, hold your hand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For death has stolen a march upon our hate;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He does not breathe.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SECOND SLAVE: The stars have wrought for us,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And we are conquerors with unbloodied hands.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>FIRST SLAVE: Nay, nay, for in our thoughts his life was spilt;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While yet our bodies lagged in fettered fear,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our shafted breath sped on and stabbed his sleep.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, red for all the world, across our brows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our murderous thoughts have burned the brand of Cain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>See, through the window stares the pitiless day!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-knight-of-the-wood"><span class="large">The Knight of the Wood</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"I fear the Knight of the Wood," she said</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"For him may no man overthrow.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where boughs are matted thick o'erhead,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>There gleams, amid the shadows dread,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The terror of his armour red;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all men fear him, high and low;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet all must through the forest go."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>She paused awhile where larches flame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About the borders of the wood;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, crying loud on Love's high name</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To keep her maiden-heart from shame,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She entered, and full-swiftly came</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, hooded with a scarlet hood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A rider in her pathway stood.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>She saw the gleam of armour red;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She saw the fiery pennon wave</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Its flaming terror overhead</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>'Mid writhing boughs and shadows dread.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Ah God," she cried: "that I were dead,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And laid for ever in my grave!"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, swooning, called on Love to save.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Among the springing fern she fell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And very nigh to death she lay;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till, like the fading of a spell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At ringing of the matin-bell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The darkness left her; by a well</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She waked beneath the open day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And rose to go upon her way;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>When, once again, the ruddy light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of arms she saw, and turned to flee;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But clutching brambles stayed her flight;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While, marvelling, she saw the Knight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unhooded; and his eyes were bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With April colours of the sea;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And crowned as a King was he.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>She knelt before him in the ferns,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And sang: "O Lord of Love, I bow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before thy shield, where blazoned burns</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The flaming heart with light that turns</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The night to day. O heart that yearns</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For love, lo, Love before thee now--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The wild-wood knight with crownèd brow!"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="notre-dame-de-la-belle-verriere"><span class="large">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Above Thy halo's burning blue</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For ever hovers the White Dove;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thy heart enshrines, for ever new,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The Cross--the Crown of all Thy love;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While, sapphire wing on sapphire wing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About Thee choiring angels swing</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Gold censers, and bright candles bear.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because I have no heart to sing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I come to Thee with all my care,</span></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Because the sword hath pierced Thy side,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thy brows are crowned with circling gold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The woe of all the world doth hide</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within Thy mantle's azure fold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because Thou, too, hast dwelt with fears,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through lingering days and endless years,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I find no comfort otherwhere,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our Lady beautiful with tears,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our Lady sorrowfully fair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>My feet have travelled the hot road</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between the poppies' barren fires;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But now I cast aside the load</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of burning hopes and wild desires</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That ever fierce and fiercer grew.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thy peace falls like a falling dew</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon me as I kneel in prayer,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because Thou hast known sorrow, too,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because Thou, too, hast known despair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-the-valley"><span class="large">In the Valley</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Love, take my hand, and look not with sad eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through the valley-shades: for us, the mountains rise;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath the cold, blue-cleaving peaks of snow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like flame the April-blossomed almonds blow--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Spring-grace and winter-glory intertwined</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the glittering web that colour weaves.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Yet who are they who troop so close behind</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">With raiment rustling like frost-withered leaves</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">That burden winter-winds with ever-restless sighs?</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Love, look not back, nor ever hearken more</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To murmuring shades; for us, the river-shore</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Is lit with dew-hung daffodils that gleam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On either side the tawny, foaming stream</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That bears through April with triumphal song</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Dissolving winter to the brimming sea.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Yet who are they who, ever-whispering, throng,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">With lean, grey lips that shudder piteously,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">As if from some bright fruit of bitter-tasting core?</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Nay, look not back, for, lo, in trancèd light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Love stays awhile his world-encircling flight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To wait our coming from the valley-ways;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>See where, a hovering fire amid the blaze,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He pants aflame with irised plumes unfurled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above the utmost pinnacle of noon.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Yet who are they who wander through the world</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Like weary clouds about a wintry moon,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">With wan, bewildered brows that bear eternal night?</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Love, look not back, nor fill thy heart with woe</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of old, sad loves that perished long ago;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For ever after living lovers tread</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Pale, yearning ghosts of all earth's lovers dead.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A little while with life we lead the train</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere we, too, follow, cold, some breathing love.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">I fear their fevered eyes and hands that strain</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">To snatch our joy that flutters bright above,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">To shadow with grey death its ruddy, pulsing glow.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Love, look not back in this life-crowning hour</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When all our love breaks into perfect flower</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath the kindling heights of frozen time.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Come, Love, that we with happy haste may climb</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beyond the valley, and may chance to see</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some unknown peak that cleaves unfading skies.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Old sorrow saps my strength; I may not flee</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">The flame of passionate hunger in their eyes;</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Beseeching shade on shade--they hold me in their power.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Love, look not back, for, all too brief, our day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In wilder glories flameth fast away.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lo, even now, the northern snow-ridge glows--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With purple shadowed--from pale gold to rose</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That shivers white beneath stars dawning cold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lift up thine eyes ere all the colour fades.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Ah, rainbow-plumèd Love in airs of gold,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Too late I turn, a shade among the shades.</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">To follow, death-enthralled, thy flight through ages grey.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-vision-a-christmas-mystery"><span class="large">The Vision.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>PERSONS: A YOUNG HERD. HIS MOTHER.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>SCENE: THE QUEEN'S CRAGS.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>TIME: CHRISTMAS EVE.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">The herd stands at the foot of the Crags, gazing -across the dark fells. His mother enters.</em></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>MOTHER: Son, come home, nor tarry here</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In this peril-haunted place.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My old heart is filled with fear</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By the white flame of thy face,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And thine eyes whose restless fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Burneth ever wild and clear</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As red peats between the bars.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Son, come home; the night is cold;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Dropping from the wintry stars,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Tingling frost falls through the air;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>See, the bents are white with rime;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All the sheep are in the fold;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All the cattle in the byre;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Only we, of live things, roam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O'er the fells so far from home;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>E'en the red fox in his lair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Snuggles close to keep him warm;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And the lonely, wandering hare</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Crouches, shivering, in her form;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While by Greenlea's frozen edge</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hides the mallard in the sedge.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Son, come home; the ingle-seat</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Waits thee by the glowing peat,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And the door is off the latch.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Come, and we will feast and sing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As of old at Christmas time,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until thou wilt drowse and nod</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And with slumber-drooping head</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Gladly seek thy bracken-bed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Underneath the heather-thatch;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the healing sleep will bring</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto thee the peace of God.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Son, come home! Whom seekest thou there?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>MOTHER: Cry no more on Guenevere.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some wild warlock of the fells,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Born beneath the Devil's Scars,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lures thee forth to drown thy soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Deep in Broomlea-water cold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Guenevere no longer dwells</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Anywhere beneath the stars;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though she walked these Crags of old,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Many hundred years ago,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Into earth she sank like snow;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As a sunset-cloud in rain</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Breaks, and showers the thirsty plain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All the glory of her hair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fell to earth, we know not where.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Leave thy foolish quest forlorn.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lo, to-night a King is born,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Who, when earthly kings at last</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Into wildering night are passed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet shall wear the crown of morn.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Mary, Thou whose love may turn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Eyes that after evil burn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Draw his soul, that strays so far,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To Thy Son's white throning-star.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Queen of Heaven, hear my prayer!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>MOTHER: Low she lies, and may not hear.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The white lily, Guenevere,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ruthless time has trodden down;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Arthur is a tarnished crown,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>High Gawain a broken spear,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Percival a riven shield;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They, who taught the world to yield,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Closed with death and lost the field,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Stricken by the last despair:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Launcelot is but a name</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Blown about the winds of shame;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Surely God has quenched the flame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That burned men's souls for Guenevere.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Mary, heed a mother's woe;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Mary, heed a mother's tears!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thou, whose heart so long ago</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Knew the pangs and hopes and fears</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>We poor mortal mothers know;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thou, to whom, on Christmas-morn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christ, the Son of God, was born;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thou whose mother-love hath pressed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sweet Babe against thy breast;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And with wondering joy hath felt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The warm clutch of little hands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When the Kings from far-off lands--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Crowned with gold, in gold attire--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With the simple shepherds knelt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>'Mid the beasts within the byre;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Mary, if Thy heart, afraid,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When beyond Thy care he strayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sometimes grieved that he must grow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unlike other boys and men--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Filled with dreams beyond Thy ken,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Anguished with diviner woe,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Pangs more fiery than Thy pain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Deeper than Thy dark despair--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From the perils of the night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Give me back my son again.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thou, whose love may never fail,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Heed a lonely mother's prayer!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Come in all Thy healing might!</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">A sudden glory sweeps across the Fells. The vision -appears in a cleft of the Crags. The herd and -his mother kneel before it.</em></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>MOTHER: Mary, Queen of Heaven, hail!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>HERD (</span><em class="italics">falling forward</em><span>): Guenevere! Guenevere!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-three-kings"><span class="large">THE THREE KINGS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">To C. J. S.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">The Three Kings</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>PERSONS: KING GARLAND, KING ARLO, KING ASHALORN.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SEA-VOICES, WAVE-VOICES, AND WIND-VOICES.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SCENE: </span><em class="italics">A rock in the midst of the North Sea,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">whereon the three kings, bound naked by conquering</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">sea-rovers, have been left to perish.</em></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>VOICE OF THE DAWN-WIND: Awaken, O sea, from thy starry dream;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Awaken, awaken!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For delight of thy slumber not one pale gleam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From dim star-clusters remaineth unshaken.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All night I have haunted the valleys and rivers;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Now hither I come--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere, quickened with sunlight, the drowsy east quivers--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To waken thy song, night-bewildered and dumb;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To stir thy grey waters, of starlight forsaken,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To loosen white foam in the red of the dawn.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>WAVE-VOICES: The sound of thy voice</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Has broken our sleep;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All night we have waited thee, herald of light.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>We arise, we rejoice</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At thy bidding to leap,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And spray with our laughter the trail of the night.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All night we have waited thee, weary of stars--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The little star-dreams, and the sleep without song;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The deep-brooding slumber of silence that holds</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our melody mute in the uttermost deep.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O Wind of the Dawn, we have waited thee long;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sound of thy voice</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Has broken our sleep;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>We arise, we rejoice</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At thy bidding to leap,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With a tumult of singing, a rapture of spray,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To scatter our joy in the path of the day.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>GARLAND: Day comes at last, beyond the sea's grey rim;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The young sun leaps in sudden might of gold.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ASHALORN: Before his fire our lives will smoulder dim;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like stars we shine, we fade; the tale is told,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all our empty splendour put to scorn;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fate leaves us, who were clothed in pride, forlorn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To perish, naked, in this lonely sea.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But yesterday we ruled as kings of earth;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Frail men to-day; to-morrow, who shall be?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARLO: But yesterday my cup of life was filled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To overflowing with the wine of mirth--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The plashing joy from fruitful years distilled.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>GARLAND: But yesterday my kinghood sprang to birth;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My fingers scarce had grasped the might new-born,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When from my clutch the glittering pomp was torn.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SEA-VOICES: They slumber, they slumber, the kings in their pride.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The beak of the Rover is dipt in the tide;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sails of the Rover are red in the wind;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And white is the trail of the foam flung behind.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They have fallen, have fallen, the kings in their pride;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Their sea-gates are forced by the rush of the tide;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Their splendour is scattered as surf on the wind;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And red is the trail of the terror behind.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Forsaken, forlorn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On a rock of the sea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In anguish they bow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And wait for the night and the darkness to be;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, bright was the gold in their hair;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sea-weed, in scorn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Is twined in it now;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, rich was their raiment and rare,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Blue, purple, and gold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In fold upon fold;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of glory and majesty shorn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They are clothed with the wind of despair.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>GARLAND: Lo, the live waters run to greet the day:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Even so I laughed to see the soaring light;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My life was poised like yonder curving wave</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To break in such bright revel of keen spray.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARLO: I counted not the years that took their flight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Gold-crowned and singing; every hour I stood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As one enchanted in an April wood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In some new paradise of scent and flowers.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I counted not the countless, careless hours,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The days of rapture and the nights of peace.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How should I dream that such delight could pass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Such colour fade, such flowing numbers cease,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My glory perish where was none to save,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all my strength be trodden in the grass?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ASHALORN: Oh, blest art thou who diest in thy youth;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, blest art thou who failest in thy prime;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While yet thine eyes are full of wondering truth;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere yet thy feet have found the ways of thorn.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Too long I wandered down the vale of time,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A lonely wind, all songless and forlorn;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For I have found the empty heart of things,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The secret sorrow of the summer rose,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all the sadness of the April green;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I know that every happy stream that springs</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Into a sea of bitter memories flows;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I know the curse that God has set on kings--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The solitary splendour and the crown</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of desolation, and the prisoning state;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The heart that yearns beneath the robe of gold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The soul that starves behind the golden gate.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I know how chance has reared our earthly thrones</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon a shifting wrack of whitened bones,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of heroes fallen in the wars of old--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By wind upbuilded and by wind cast down.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>SEA-VOICES: As foam on the edge of the waters of night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They flicker and fall;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>More brief than delight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>More frail than their tears,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They flicker and fall</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In the tide of the years;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Awhile they may triumph, as lords of the earth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With feasting and mirth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet the winds and the waters shall sweep over all.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>VOICE OF THE WEST WIND: O wide-shifting wonder of sapphire and gold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O wandering glory of emerald and white,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From the purple and green of the moorlands I come,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To sweep o'er thy waters with turbulent flight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I have drunk the red wine of the heather, and swept</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Over moorland and fell, for mile upon mile.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The little blue loughs were merry, and leapt,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With a shaking of laughter, in dim, dreaming hollows;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The little blue loughs were merry, and flung</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Their spray on my wings as above them I swung;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I laughed to their laughter, and dallied awhile;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then left them to sink in the silence that follows.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>In the forest I stirred, like the chant of thy tides,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The song of the boughs and the branches a-swinging;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The ashes and beeches and oak-trees were singing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like the noise of thy waters when dark tempest rides.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I swung on the crest of the pine-trees a-swaying,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As now on thy green, flowing surges, O sea;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I piped in my triumph, they danced to my playing;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I left them a-murmur, to hasten to thee.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>The white clouds were driven like ships through the air,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And grey flowed the shadows o'er sea-coloured bent,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And dark on the heathland, and dark on the wold:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But here on thy waters, where all things grow fair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They shadow with purple thine emerald and gold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My revel unbroken, my rapture unspent,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To thy far-shining wonder, O sea, I have come,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To sweep o'er thy splendour with turbulent flight;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>GARLAND: There is no sadness in the world but death.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The years that whitened o'er thy head have taken</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The colour from thy life, but still in me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The blood beats young and red; yea, still my breath</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Is full of freshness as the wind that blows</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Across the morning-fells when night has shaken</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His cooling dews among the wakening heath.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, now the wind that lashes o'er the sea</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Stings all my quivering body to keen life</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And whips the blood into my straining limbs;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all the youth within me springs to fire;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I am consumed with ravening desire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For one brief, wild, delirious hour of strife;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I yearn for every joy that flies or swims,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Rides on the wind or with the water flows.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet I must die by patient, slow degrees,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With hourly wasting flesh and parching blood;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ah God, that I might leap into the flood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And perish struggling in the adventurous seas!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARLO: My mouth is filled with saltness, and I thirst</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For forest-pools that bubble in the shade,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When loud the hot chase pants through every glade,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And fleeing fawns from every thicket burst;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Or clear wine vintaged when the world was young,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Gurgling from deep-mouthed jars of coloured stone.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ASHALORN: The noonday burns my body to the bone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And sets a coal of fire upon my tongue,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between my lips, and stifles all my breath.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh come, thou only joy undying, death!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>WAVE-VOICES: O wind, that failing, failing, failing, dies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath the heat of August-laden skies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sinking in sleep, sinking in quiet sleep--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thy blue wings folded o'er our dreaming deep</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>We too are weary, weary in the noon;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>We too will fall in shining slumber soon--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Foamless and still, foamless and very still,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unstirred, unshaken by thy restless will.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Yet there are eyes that cannot, cannot close,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And strong souls racked by fiery, rending woes--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Never to rest, never to gather rest</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By any stream of murmuring waters blest.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>But slumber falling, falling, on us lies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Silent and deep, beneath noon-laden skies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Silent and deep, silent and very deep,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With blue wings folded o'er our dreaming sleep.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: I have shaken the noon</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>from my wings, I arise</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>To quicken the flame in the western skies--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To blow the clouds to a streaming flame,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the red sun sinks in the opal sea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And red as the heart of the opal glows</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His last wild gleam in the waters grey.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O grey-green waters, curling to rose,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The kings are glad of the dying day;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The kings are weary; the white mists close--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The white mists gather to cover their shame.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ASHALORN: The evening mist is dank upon my brow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And cold upon my lips--yea, cold as death;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet, through the gloom, she gazes on me now,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As in our early-wedded days; her breath</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Is warm once more upon my withered cheek.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O gaunt, grey lips, that strive but may not speak;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O cold, grey eyes, that flicker in the gloam--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Long have we strayed; come, let us wander home!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARLO: Like lit September woodlands, streameth down</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her hair, beneath the circle of her crown;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of rarer, redder glory than the cold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Dead metal that for ever strives to hold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The ever-straying wonder of live gold!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like woodland pools, her eyes, a dreaming brown--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like woodland pools where autumn-splendours drown!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O red-gold tresses, shaking in the gloam,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto your light, unto your shade I come!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>GARLAND: Her eyes are azure as the wind-blown sea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With deep sea-shadowings of grey and green;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And like an April storm her shining hair--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, all the glittering Aprils that have been,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all the wondering Aprils yet to be,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Have stored their wealth of shower and sunshine there;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, all the thousand, thousand springs of earth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>New-lit and re-awakened at her birth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In her sweet body glow and glimmer fair.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O wonder of sea-colours and white foam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And April glories, to thine arms I come!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: The sun is gone,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>and the last, red flame</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Has faded away in a shimmer of rose--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A shimmer of rose that shivers to grey.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The kings are glad of the dying day--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The kings are weary; the white mists close,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The white mists gather to cover their shame.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-songs-of-queen-averlaine"><span class="large">THE SONGS OF QUEEN AVERLAINE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">To M. B.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>PERSONS: THE KING,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>QUEEN AVERLAINE,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>THE KNIGHT ARKELD.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">I. -<br />KING AND QUEEN.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">1.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>The day has come; at last my dream unfolds</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>White, wondering petals with the rising sun.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>No other glade in Love's world-garden holds</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>So fair a bloom from vanquished winter won.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Long, oh, so long I watched through budding hours,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And, trembling, feared my dream would never wake;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>As, one by one, I saw star-tranced flowers</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Out on the night their dewy splendour shake.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>But with the earliest gleam of dawn it stirred,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Knowing that Love had put the dark to flight;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And I must sing more glad than any bird</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Because the sun has filled my dream with light.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">2.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Is it high noon, already, in the land?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O Love, I dreamed that morn could never pass;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That we might ever wander, hand in hand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As children in June-meadows plucking flowers,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through ever-waking, fresh-unfolding hours:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet now we sink love-wearied in the grass;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, it is noon, high noon in all the land.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>The young wind slumbers; all the little birds</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That sang about us in the fields of morn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Are songless now; no happy flight of words</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On Love's lip hovers--Love has waxed to noon.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ah, God, if Love should wane to evening soon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To perish in a sunless world, forlorn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And cease with the last song of weary birds!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">3.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>At dawn I gathered flowers of white,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To garland them for your delight.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>At noon I gathered flowers of blue,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To weave them into joy for you.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>At eve I gather purple flowers,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To strew above the withered hours.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">4.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>She knelt at eve beside the stream,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, sighing, sang: "O waters clear,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Forsaken now of joy and fear,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I come to drown a withered dream.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Unseen of day, I let it fall</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the shadow of my hair.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O little dream, that bloomed so fair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The waters hide you after all!"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">5.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Is it not dawn?" she cried, and raised her head,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Or hath the sun, grey-shrouded, yesternight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Gone down with Love for ever to the dead?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When Love has perished, can there yet be light?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Yea, it is dawn," one answered: "see the dew</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Quivers agleam, and all the east is white;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While in the willow song begins anew."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"When Love has perished, can there yet be light?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">II. -<br />AVERLAINE AND ARKELD.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">1.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Oh, why did you lift your eyes to mine?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, why did you lift your drooping head?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: The tangled threads of the fates entwine</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our hearts that follow as children led.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: From the utmost ends of the earth we came,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As star moves starward through wildering night.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: Our souls have mingled as flame with flame,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, they have mingled as light with light.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: The stars in their courses move through the sky</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unswerving, unheeding, cold and blind.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: Why did you linger nor pass me by</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the cross-roads meet in the ways that wind?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: I saw your eyes from the dusk of your hair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flame out with sorrow and yearning love.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: And I, who wandered with grey despair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Looking up, saw heaven in blossom above.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: May we not go as we came, alone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto the ends of the earth anew?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: May we draw afresh from the rose new-blown</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The golden sunlight, the crystal dew?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Yea, love between us has bloomed as a rose</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Out of the desert under our feet.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: May we forget how the red heart glows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Forget that the dew on the petals is sweet?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Have the ages brought us together that we</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Might tremble, start at shadows, and cry?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: Yea, it has been, and ever will be</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till Sorrow be slain or Love's self die.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Stronger than Sorrow is Love; and Hate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The brother of Love, shall end our Sorrow.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow is strong with the strength of Fate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, slain, would rise from the grave to-morrow.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow for ever between!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">2.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and tear with ruthless hands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The golden web wherein, too late, Love strove</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To weave us joy and bind us heart to heart.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and strew on desert-sands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Petal by petal all the rose of Love,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And part for ever where the cross-ways part.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and never turn our eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From strange horizons, desolate and far,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though Love cry ever: "Turn but once, sad heart!"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and under alien skies</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Must follow after some cold, gleaming star,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And roam, as north and south winds roam, apart.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, ere Love be grown too strong</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And we too helpless to resist his might;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While each may go with pure, unshamed heart.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>ARKELD: Yea, we must part; and though we do Love wrong,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He will the more subdue us in our flight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And hold us each more surely his, apart.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">III. -QUEEN AVERLAINE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">1.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O love, I bade you go; and you have borne</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The summer with you from the valley-lands;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The poppy-flame has perished from the corn;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And in the chill, wan light of early morn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The reapers come in doleful, starveling bands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To bind the blackened sheaves with listless hands;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For rain has put their sowing-toil to scorn.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O Love, I bade you go; and autumn brings</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Bleak desolation; yet within my heart</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unquenched and fierce the flame you kindled springs;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For, echoing all day long, the courtyard rings</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As loud it rang when, rending Love apart,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your white horse cantered--swift and keen to start--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Into a world of other queens and kings.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">2.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I bade you go; ah, wherefore are you gone?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How could you leave me dark and desolate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O Sun of Love, that for brief summer shone?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Mine eyes are ever on the western gate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Half-wishing, half-foredreading your return.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Return, O Love, return!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I cannot live without you; through the dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I stretch blind hands to you across the world;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All day on unknown battle-fields I mark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your sword's red course, your banner blue unfurled;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet never, in my day-dreams, you return.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Return, O Love, return!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Nay, you are gone: O Love, I bade you go.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I would not have you come again to be</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A stranger in this house of silent woe,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, being all, you would be naught to me.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Mine, mine in dreams, but lost if you return;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, nevermore return!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">3.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"To-day a wandering harper came</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With outland tales of deeds of fame;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I hearkened from the noonday bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until the failing of the light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The while he sang of joust and fight;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet never once I caught your name.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, whither, whither are you gone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Whose name victorious ever shone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above all knights of other lands?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Across what wilderness of sands?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By what dead sea-deserted strands?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On what far quest of Love forlorn?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I loved you when men called you Lord</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Arkeld, the never-sleeping sword;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet now, when all your might is furled,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And you no longer crest the world,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>More are you mine than when you hurled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Destruction on the embattled horde.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">4.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, deeper in the silent house</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The silence falls;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Only the stir of bat or mouse</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>About the walls.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>No cry, no voice in any room,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>No gust of breath;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>As if, within the clutch of doom,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>We waited death.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">5.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>The King is dead;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>No longer now</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The cold eyes gleam</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath his brow.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O cold, grey eyes,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Wherein the light</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Of Love at dawn</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Seemed clear and bright,</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>No true Love burned</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Your cold desire,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Which mirrored but</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>My own heart's fire.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">6.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>The King died yesterday.... Ah, no, he died</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>When young Love perished long, so long ago;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And on his throne, as marble at my side,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Has reigned a carven image, cold as snow,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Though all men bowed before it, crying: "King!"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Too late, too late the chains which held me fall;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Rock-bound, I bade the victor-knight go by;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And now, when time has loosed me from the thrall,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>I know not where he tarries, 'neath what sky</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>He waits the winter's end, the dawn of spring.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">7.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Spring comes no more for me: though young March blow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To flame the larches, and from tree to tree</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The green fire leap, till all the woodlands glow--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though every runnel, filled to overflow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Bear sea-ward, loud and brown with melted snow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Spring comes no more for me!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Spring comes no more for me: though April light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The flame of gorse above the peacock sea;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though in an interweaving mesh of white</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The seagulls hover 'neath the cliff's sheer height;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though, hour by hour, new joys are winged for flight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Spring comes no more for me!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Spring comes no more for me: though May will shake</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>White flame of hawthorn over all the lea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till every thick-set hedge and tangled brake</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Puts on fresh flower of beauty for her sake;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though all the world from winter-sleep awake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Spring comes no more for me!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">8.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I wandered through the city till I came</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Within the vast cathedral, cool and dim;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>I looked upon the windows all aflame</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>With blazoned knights and saints and seraphim.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I looked on kings in purple, gold and blue,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>On martyrs high before whom all men bow;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Until a gleam of light my footsteps drew</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Before a shining seraph, on whose brow</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>A little flame, for ever pure and white,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Unwavering burns--the symbol of our love;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And as I knelt before him in the night,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>He looked, compassionate, on me from above.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">9.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I heard a harper 'neath the castle walls</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sing, for night-shelter in the house of thralls,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A song of hapless lovers; in the shade</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I paused awhile, unseen of man or maid.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Taking his harp, he touched the moaning strings,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And sang of queens unloved and loveless kings;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His song shot through my fluttering heart like flame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till, wondering, I heard him breathe your name.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, then I knew how all the deathless wrong</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Time wrought of old is but a harper's song;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all the hopeless sorrow of long years</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>An idle tale to win a stranger's tears.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, in the song of Love's immortal dead</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our love was told; with shuddering heart I fled,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And strove to pass upon my way unseen,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But song was hushed with whispers: "Lo, the Queen!"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">10.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Was it for this we loved, O Time, to be</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among Love's deathless through eternity,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Set high on lone, divided peaks above</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sheltered summer-valley, broad and green?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Was it for this our joy and grief have been,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Our barren day-dreams, dream-deserted nights--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That valley-lovers, looking up, might see</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>How vain is Love among the starry heights,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, loving, sigh: "How vain a thing is Love!"?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O Love, that we had found thee in the shade</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, all day long, the deep, leaf-hidden glade</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hears but the moan of some forsaken dove,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Or the clear song of happy, nameless streams;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, all night long, the August moonlight gleams</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through warm, green dusk, no longer cold and white!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O Love, that we had found thee, unafraid,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One summer morn, and followed thee till night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As unknown valley-lovers follow Love!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">11.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I have grown old, awaiting spring's return,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And, now spring comes, I stand like winter grey</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>In a young world; yet warm within me burn</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The morning-fires Love kindled in youth's day.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>I have grown old; the young folk look on me</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>With sighs, and wonder that I once was fair,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And whisper one another: "Is this she?</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Did summer ever light that winter hair?</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Ah, she is old; yet, she, too, once was young:</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, loved as we love even, for men tell</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>How bright her beauty burned on every tongue,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And how a knightly stranger loved her well.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Yet Love grows old that beats so young and warm;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>His leaping fires in dust and ashes fail;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Shall we, too, wither in the winter-storm,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And wander thus one April, old and frail?"</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Love grows not old, O lovers, though youth die,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And bodily beauty perish as the flower;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Though all things fail, though spring and summer fly,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Love's fire burns quenchless till the last dark hour.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">12.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O valley-lovers, think you love,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Being all of joy, knows naught of sorrow?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A day, a night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of swift delight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That fears no dread, grey-dawning morrow?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O valley-lovers, think you love</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Knows only laughter, naught of weeping?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A rose-red fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of warm desire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For ever burning, never sleeping?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>O lovers, little know ye Love.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Love is a flame that feeds on sorrow--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A lone star bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through endless night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That waits a never-dawning morrow.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">13.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Thus would I sing of life,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere I must yield my breath:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though broken in the strife,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I sought not after death.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though ruthless years have scourged</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My soul with sorrow's brands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, day by day, have urged</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My feet o'er desert-sands;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet would I rather tread</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Again the bitter trail,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Than lie, calm-browed and pale,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among the loveless dead.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>No pang would I forego,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>No stab of suffering,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>No agony of woe,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>If I to life might cling;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>If I might follow still,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For evermore, afar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O'er barren dale and hill,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My Love's unfading star.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, now, with failing breath,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thus would I sing of life:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though broken in the strife,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I sought not after death.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">14.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Darkness has come upon me in the end;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Darkness has come upon me like a friend,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet undesired; why comest thou, O night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To seal mine eyes for ever from the light?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Darkness has come upon me; yet a star</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Burns through the night and beckons me from far.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Look up, O eyes, unfaltering, without fear;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O morning-star of Love, the dawn is near!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="id1"><span class="large">THE GOLDEN HELM.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">The Golden Helm</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">I.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Across his stripling shoulders Geoffrey felt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The knighting-sword fall lightly, and he heard</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The King's voice bid him rise; and at the word</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He rose, new-flushed with knighthood, swiftly grown</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To sudden manhood, though, but now, he knelt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A vigil-wearied squire before the throne.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He paused one moment while the people turned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To look on him with eyes that kindled bright,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Seeing his face aglow with strange, new light;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet them he saw not where they watched amazed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, though like azure flames Queen Hild's eyes burned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beyond the shadow of the throne he gazed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To where, in kindred rapture, young Christine</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Stood, tremulous and white, in wind-flower grace--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath her thick, dark hair, her happy face</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Pale-gleaming 'midst the ruddy maiden-throng;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, following Geoffrey's eyes, the trembling Queen</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Now bade the harpers rouse the air with song:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From pulsing throat and silver-throbbing string</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The music soared, light-winged, and, fluttering, fell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, startled as one waking from a spell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Geoffrey stepped back among the waiting knights;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While knelt another squire before the King.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In Queen Hild's eyes yet hovered stormy lights,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath her glooming brows, as waters gleam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Under snow-laden skies; the summer day</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For her in that brief glance had shivered grey,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Empty of light and song. She only heard</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The King and knights as people of a dream;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet keenly Geoffrey's lightest, laughing word</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Stung to the quick, and stabbed her quivering life,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till from each shuddering wound the red joy flowed;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, though a ruddy fire on each cheek glowed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She felt her drainèd heart within her cold;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then all at once a hot thought stirred new strife</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within her breast, and suddenly grown old</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And wise in treacherous imagining,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She pressed her thin lips to a bitter smile,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And strove with laughing mask to hide the guile</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That, slowly welling, through her body poured</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Cold-blooded life that feels no arrowy sting</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of joy or hope, nor thrust of pity's sword.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To Christine, where she yet enraptured stood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hild, turning, spake kind words, and coldly praised</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The new-made knight. Each word Christine amazed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Drank in with joyous heart and eager ears;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To her it seemed ne'er lived a Queen so good;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And love's swift rapture filled her eyes with tears.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For her true heart, the day-long pageant moved</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Round Geoffrey's shining presence; king and knight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But shone for her with pale, reflected light.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As trancèd planets circling round the sun,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About the radiant head of her beloved</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The dim throngs moved until the day was done.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When lucent gold suffused the cloudless west,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And lingering thrush-notes failed in drowsy song,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She left, at last, the weary maiden-throng,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To stray alone through dew-hung garden-glades;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all the love unsealed within her breast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flowed out from her to light the darkest shades.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her quivering maiden-body could not hold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sudden welling of love's loosened flood;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through all her limbs it gushed, and in her blood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It stormed each throbbing pulse with blissful ache;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It seemed to spray the utmost glooms with gold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And scatter glistening dews in every brake.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While yet she moved in rapture unafraid</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among the lilies, down the Grey Nun's Walk,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She heard behind the snapping of a stalk,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And stayed transfixed, nor dared to turn her head,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But stood a solitary, trembling maid--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Forlorn and frail, with all her courage fled.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Thus Geoffrey found her as, hot-foot, he pressed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To pour about her all the glowing tide</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Day-pent within his heart; the flood-gates wide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His love swept over her, sea after sea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until life almost swooned within her breast,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And she seemed like to drown in ecstasy.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet, as the tempest sank in calm at last,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She rose from out the foam of love, new-born--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As Venus from the irised surf of morn--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To such triumphant beauty, Geoffrey, thralled,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before her stood in wonder rooted fast;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Even his love within him bowed appalled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In tongueless worship as he gazed on her;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While, lily-like, the trancèd flowers among,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She stood, love-radiant, and above her hung</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The canopy of star-enkindling night;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though, when again she moved with joyous stir,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He sprang to her in love's unchallenged might.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">II.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>All night, beside her slumbering lord, the Queen</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Tossed sleepless--every aching sense astrain</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With tingling wakefulness that racked like pain</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her weary limbs; all night, in wide-eyed dread,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She watched the slow hours moving dark between</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The glimmering window and the curtained bed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The fitful calling of the owl, all night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Struck like the voice of terror on her ears;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With brushing wings, about her taloned fears</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fluttered till dawn: when, as the summer gloom,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Grey-quivering, spilt in silver-showering light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She rose and stood within the dawning room,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shivering and pale--her long, unbraided hair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Each moment quickening to a livelier gold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About her snowy shoulders; yet, more cold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Than the still gleam of winter-frozen meres,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her blue eyes shone with strange, unseeing stare,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As though they sought to pierce some mist of fears;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, when she turned, the old familiar things</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unknown and alien seemed to her sight--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Outworn and faded in the morning light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The rose-embroidered tapestries, and frail</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The painted Love that hung on irised wings</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above the sleeping King. Dark-browed and pale</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She looked upon her lord, and fresh despair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With dreadful calm through all her being stole,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And froze with icy breath the flickering soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That strove within her. Evil courage steeled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her heart once more, as, combing back her hair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She watched the waking world of wood and field:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hay-harvesters with long scythes flashing white;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The dewy-browsing deer; the blue smoke-curl</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above some woodland hut; a kerchiefed girl</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Driving the kine afield with loitering pace.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, as a youthful rider came in sight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She from the casement turned with darkening face,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And looked not out again, and fiercely pressed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her white teeth in her quivering underlip,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To stifle the wild cry that strove to slip</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From her strained throat; with clutching hands she sought</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To stay the throbbing tumult of her breast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That fluttered like a bird in meshes caught.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Christine as yet in dreamless slumber lay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within her turret-chamber; but a bird</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the laurel singing softly stirred</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her eyes to wakeful life, and from her bed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She rose and stood within the light of day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>White-faced and wondering, with lifted head.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As April-butterflies, new-winged for flight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That poise awhile in quivering amaze,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere they may dare the unknown, glittering ways</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of perilous airs--upon the brink of morn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She paused one moment in the showering light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In radiant ecstasy of youth forlorn.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then swift remembrance flushed her virgin snow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And wakened in her eyes the living fire;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With joyous haste she drew her bright attire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About her trembling limbs, with eager hands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Veiling her maiden beauty's morning glow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before she looked abroad on meadowlands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where Geoffrey rode at dawn. Across the blaze</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of dandelions silvering to seed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She saw his white horse swing with easy speed;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He rode with head exultant in the breeze</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That lifted his brown hair. With lingering gaze</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She watched him vanish down an aisle of trees;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, swiftly gathering her dark hair in braids</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Above her slender neck, she crossed the floor</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With noiseless step, unlatched the creaking door,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And stole in trembling silence down the stair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Intent to reach the garden ere the maids</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Should come with chattering tongues and laughter there;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When by her side she heard a rustling stir:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The arras parted, and before her stood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Queen Hild in proud, imperious womanhood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Looking upon her with cold, smiling eyes.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In startled wonder Christine glanced at her.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then spake the Queen: "Do maids thus early rise</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To tend their household duties, or to feed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The doves, relinquishing sleep's precious hours</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To see the morning dew upon the flowers</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And what frail blooms have perished 'neath the moon?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To reach the Grey Nun's Walk, mayhap you speed--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To count the stricken buds of lilies strewn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O'ernight upon the soil by careless feet</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That wandered there so late? Yea, now I know,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine, because you flush and tremble so.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet look you not on me with eyes that burn;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I would not stay you when you go to greet</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The rider of the dawn on his return.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Think you I leave my bed at break of day--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I, Hild the Queen--to thwart a lover's kiss?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Think you my love of you could stoop to this,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though you would wed a fledgling, deedless Knight?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nay, shrink you not from me, turn not away;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because my heart has never known love's light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I fain would hear your happy tale of love,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That I may prosper you and your fair youth.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Will you not trust me?" Blind with love's glad truth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine sank down within Hild's outstretched arms.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Speechless, awhile, with sobbing breath she strove;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then poured out all the tale of love's alarms,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Raptures, despairs, and deathless ecstasies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In one quick torrent from her brimming heart;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, quaking, ceased, and drew herself apart,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Dismayed that she so easily had revealed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To this white, cold-eyed Queen love's sanctities.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet Hild moved not, but stood, with hard lips sealed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until, the chiming of the turret-bell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Recalling her, she spake with far-off voice:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"I, loveless, in your innocent love rejoice.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>May nothing stem its eager raptured course!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, that my barren heart could love so well,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And feel the surge of love's subduing force!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet even I from out my dearth may give</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To you, Christine. Would you that Geoffrey's name</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shall shine, unchallenged, on the lists of fame?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>If you would have him win for you the crown</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of knightly immortality, and live</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Triumphant on men's tongues in high renown,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Follow me now." With cold, exulting eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She raised the arras, opening to the light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>An unknown stair-way clambering into night.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the caverned wall she swiftly passed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine for one brief moment in surprise</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Uncertain paused; then, wondering, followed fast.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The falling arras shutting out the day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She stumbled blindly through the soaring gloom--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Enclosing dank and chilly as the tomb</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her panting life; and unto her it seemed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That ever, as she climbed, more sheer the way</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before her rose, and ever fainter gleamed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The wan, white star of light that overhead</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hovered remote. Far up the stair she heard</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A silken rustling as, without a word,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Relentlessly Queen Hild before her sped</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For ever up the ever-soaring steep.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But when it almost seemed that she must fall--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>So loudly in her ears the pulses beat,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And each step seemed to sink beneath her feet--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She heard the shrilly grating of a key,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And saw, above her, in the unseen wall,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A dazzling square of day break suddenly.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the lighted doorway Queen Hild turned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To reach a helping hand, and, as she bent</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To clutch the swooning maiden, well-nigh spent,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And drew her to the chamber, weak and faint,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through her gold hair so rare a lustre burned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It seemed to Christine that an aureoled saint</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Leaned out from heaven to snatch her from the deep.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, dizzily, she sank upon the floor,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Dreaming that toil was over evermore,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And she secure in Love's celestial fold;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till, waking gradually as from a sleep,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her dark eyes opened on a blaze of gold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She sat within a chamber hung around</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With glistering tapestry, whereon a knight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Who bore a golden helm above the fight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For ever triumphed o'er assailing swords,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Or led the greenwood chase with horse and hound,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While far behind him lagged the dames and lords</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all the hunting train; till he, at length,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Brought low the antlered quarry on the brink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of some deep, craggy cleft, wherefrom did shrink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The quailing hounds with lathered flanks aquake.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As Christine looked on them, her maiden-strength</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Returned to her; and now, more broad awake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She saw, within the centre of the room,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A golden table whereon glittered bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A casket of wrought gold, and, in the light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Queen Hild, awaiting her, with smiling lips,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And laughing words: "Is this then love's sad doom,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To perish, fainting, in light's brief eclipse</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between a curtain and a closed door?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shall this bright casket ever hold, unsought,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The golden helm--in elfin-ages wrought</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For some star-destined knight--because love's heart</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Grows faint within her? Shall the world no more</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Acclaim its helmèd lord?" But, with a start,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine arose, and swiftly forward came</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With eager eyes, and stooped with fluttering breast--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her slender, shapely hands together pressed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In tense expectancy, and all her face</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With quivering light of wondering love aflame.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The Queen bent down, and in a breathing space</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unlocked the casket with a golden key,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And deftly loosed a little golden pin;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The heavy lid swung open and, within,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To Christine's eyes revealed the golden helm.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then spake Queen Hild, once more: "Your love-gift see!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Think you that any smith in all the realm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Can beat dull metal to so fair a casque?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In jewelled caverns of enchantment old</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>This helm was wrought of magic-tempered gold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To yieldless strength, by elfin-hammers chased,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That toiled unwearied at their age-long task,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And over it an unknown legend traced</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In letters of some world-forgotten tongue.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At noon, with careful footing, down the stair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto the hall the casket you must bear,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When King and knight are gathered round the board,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, ere the tales be told or songs be sung,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Acclaim your love the golden-helmed lord."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine, awhile, in speechless wonderment,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hung o'er the glistering helm, and silence fell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the arrased chamber like a spell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While softly, on some distant, sunlit roof,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The basking pigeons cooed with deep content;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till, far below, a sudden-clanging hoof</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Startled the morn. The women's lifted eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One moment met in kindred ecstasy;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then Hild, with hopeless shudder, shaking free,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With strained voice spake: "Why do you longer wait?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your love returns; shall he, in sad surprise,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Find no glad face to greet him at the gate?"</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">III.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>As some new jest was tossed from tongue to tongue,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Light laughter rippled round the midday board,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath the bannered rafters: dame and lord</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And maid and squire with merry chattering</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sat feasting; though no motley humour wrung</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A smile from Hild, where she, beside the King,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Watched pale and still. She saw on Geoffrey's face</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Grave wonder that he caught not anywhere</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among the maids the dusk of Christine's hair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Or sunlight of her glance. His eyes, between</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The curtained doorway and her empty place,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Kept eager, anxious vigil for Christine.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But when, at last, the lingering meal nigh o'er,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The waking harp-notes trembled through the hush,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Like the light, fitful prelude of the thrush</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere his full song enchant the domèd elm;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The arras parting, through the open door</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She came. Before her borne, the golden helm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within the dim-lit hall shone out so bright,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That lord and dame in rustling wonder rose,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And squire and maiden sought to gather close,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With questioning lips, about the love-bright maid.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine, unheeding, turned nor left nor right;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With lifted head and eager step unstayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She strode to Geoffrey, while he stood alone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Radiant with wondering love--as one who sees</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The light of high, eternal mysteries</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Illume awhile the mortal shade that moves</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From out oblivion unto night unknown,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hugging a little grace of joys and loves.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before him now she came and, kneeling, spake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With slow, clear-welling voice: "In ages old</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>This helm was wrought from elfin-hammered gold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For one who, in the after-days, should be</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Supreme above his kind, as, in the brake</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of branching fern, the solitary tree</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That crests the fell-top. Unto you I bring</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The gift of destiny, that, as the sun</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>New-risen of your knighthood, newly-won,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The wondering world may see its glory shine."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As Christine spake, with questioning glance the King</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Turned to the Queen, who gave no answering sign.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, stretching forth his arm, he cried: "Sir knight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I know not by what evil chance this maid</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Has climbed the secret newell-stair unstayed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And reached the casket-chamber, and has borne</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From thence the Helm of Strife, whereon the light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of day has never fallen, night or morn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For seven hundred years; but, ere you take</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The doomful gift, know this: he who shall dare</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To don the golden helm must ever fare</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon the edge of peril, ever ride</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Between dark-ambushed dangers, ever wake</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto the thunderous crash of battle-tide.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, pause before you take the fateful helm.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Will you, so young, forego, for evermore,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The sheltered haven-raptures of the shore,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To strive in ceaseless tempest, till, at last,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The fury-crested wave shall overwhelm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your broken life on death's dark crag upcast?"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He ceased, and stood with eyes of hot appeal;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>An aching silence shuddered through the hall;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>None stirred nor spake, though, swaying like to fall,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine, in mute, imploring agony,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Wavered nigh death. As glittering points of steel</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Queen Hild's eyes gleamed in bitter victory.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But all were turned to Geoffrey, where he stood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In pillared might of manhood, very fair;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His face a little paled beneath his hair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though bright his eyes with all the light of day.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At length he spake: "For evil or for good,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>I take the Helm of Strife; let come what may."</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">IV.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Dawn shivered coldly through the meadowlands;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The ever-trembling aspens by the stream</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Quivered with chilly light and fitful gleam;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ruffling the heavy foliage of the plane,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until the leaves turned, like pale, lifted hands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A cold gust stirred with presage of near rain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Coldly the light on Geoffrey's hauberk fell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But yet more cold on Christine's heart there lay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The winter-clutch of grief, as, far away,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She saw him ride, and in the stirrup rise</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, turning, wave to her a last farewell.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beyond the ridge he vanished, and her eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Caught the far flashing of the helm of gold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>One moment as it glanced with mocking light;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then naught but tossing pine-trees filled her sight.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet darker gloomed the woodlands 'neath the drench</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of pillared showers; colder and yet more cold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her heart had shuddered since the last, hot wrench</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of parting overnight. Though still her mouth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Felt the mute impress of love's sacred seal;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though still through all her senses seemed to steal</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The heavy fume of wound-wort that had hung</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All night about the hedgerows--parched with drouth;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though the first notes the missel-cock had sung,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere darkness fled, resounded in her ears;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet no hot tempest of tumultuous woe</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Shook her young body. As night-fallen snow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Burdens with numb despair young April's green,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her sorrow lay upon her; hopes and fears</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within her slept. As something vaguely seen</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nor realised--since yesterday's dread noon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had shattered all love's triumph--life had passed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About her like a dream by doom o'ercast.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Long hours she sat, with silent, folded hands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And face that glimmered like a winter moon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In cloudy hair. Across the rain-grey lands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She gazed with eyes unseeing; till she heard</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A step within her chamber, and her name</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fell dully on her ear; then like a flame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sharp anguish shot through every aching limb</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With keen remembrance. Suddenly she stirred,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, turning, looked on Hild. "Grieve you for him..."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The Queen began; then, with a little gasp,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her voice failed, and she shrank before the gaze</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of Christine's eyes, and, shrivelled by the blaze</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of fires her hand had kindled, all her pride</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fell shredded, and not even the gold clasp</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of queenhood held, her naked deed to hide.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She quailed, and, turning, fled from out the room.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Soon Christine's wrath was drowned in whelming grief,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And in the fall of tears she found relief--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As brooding skies in sweet release of rain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All day she wept, until, at length, the gloom</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of eve laid soothing hands upon her pain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, once again, she rose, calm-browed, and sped</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Downstairs with silent step, and reached, unstayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The Grey Nun's Walk, where all alone a maid</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Drank in the rain-cooled air. With low-breathed words,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They whispered long together, while, o'erhead,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From rain-wet branches rang the song of birds.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The maiden often paused as in alarm;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, with uncertain, half-delaying pace,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She left Christine, returning in a space</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With Philip, Christine's brother, a young squire,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Who strode by her with careless, swinging arm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And eager face, with keen, blue eyes afire.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then all three stood, with whispering heads bent low,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In eager converse clustered; till, at last,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They parted, and, with high hopes beating fast,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine unto her turret-room returned--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her dark eyes bright and all her face aglow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As if some new-lit rapture in her burned.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>About her little chamber swift she moved,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until, at length, in travelling array,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She paused to rest, and all-impatient lay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon her snow-white bed, and watched the light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Fail from the lilied arras that she loved</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because her hand had wrought each petal white</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And slender, emerald stem. The falling night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Was lit for her with many a memory</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of little things she could no longer see,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That had been with her in old, happy hours,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before her girlish joys had taken flight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As morning dews from noon-unfolding flowers.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For her, with laggard pace the minutes trailed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Till night seemed to eternity outdrawn.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At last, an hour before the summer-dawn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She rose and once again, with noiseless tread,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Crept down the stair, grey-cloaked and closely veiled,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While every shadow struck her cold with dread</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Lest, drawing back the arras, Hild should stand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With mocking smile before her; but, unstayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She reached the stair-foot, and, no more afraid,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She sought a low and shadow-hidden door,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Slid back the silent bolts with eager hand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And stepped into the garden dim once more.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She quickly crossed a dewy-plashing lawn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, passing through a little wicket-gate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She reached the road. Not long had she to wait</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ere, with two bridled horses, Philip came.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Silent they mounted; far they fared ere dawn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Burnished the castle-weathercock to flame.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">V.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Northward they climbed from out the valley mist;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Northward they crossed the sun-enchanted fells;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Northward they plunged down deep, fern-hidden dells;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And northward yet--until the sapphire noon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had burned and glowed to thunderous amethyst</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of evening skies about an opal moon;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Northward they followed fast the loud-tongued fame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of young Sir Geoffrey of the golden helm;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until it seemed that storm must overwhelm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Their weary flight. They sought a lodging-place,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And soon upon a lonely cell they came</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Wherein a hermit laboured after grace.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On beds of withered bracken, soft and warm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He housed them, and himself, all night, alone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Knelt in long vigil on the aching stone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Within his little chapel, though, all night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His prayers were drowned by thunders of the storm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And all about him flashed blue, pulsing light.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine in calm, undreaming slumber lay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nor stirred till, clear and glittering, the morn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sang through the forest; though, with roots uptorn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The mightiest-limbed and highest-soaring oak</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had fallen charred, with green leaves shrivelled grey.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At tinkling of the matin-bell she woke,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And soon with Philip left the woodland boughs</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For barer uplands. Over tawny bent</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And purpling heath they rode till day was spent;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, down within a broad, green-dusking dale,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They sought the shelter of the holy house</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of God's White Sisters of the Virgin's Veil.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>So, day by day, they ever northward pressed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until they left the lands of peace behind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And rode among the border-hills, where blind</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Insatiate warfare ever rages fierce;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where night-winds ever fan a fiery crest,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And dawn's light breaks on bright, embattled spears:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A land whose barren hills are helmed with towers;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A lone, grey land of battle-wasted shires;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A land of blackened barns and empty byres;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A land of rock-bound holds and robber-hordes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of slumberous noons and wakeful midnight hours,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of ambushed dark and moonlight flashing swords.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With hand on hilt and ever-kindling eyes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flushed face and quivering nostril, Philip rode;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But nought assailed them; every lone abode</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Forsaken seemed; all empty lay the land</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beneath the empty sky; only the cries</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of plovers pierced the blue on either hand;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Until, at sudden cresting of a hill,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The clang of battle sounded on their ears,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And, far below, they saw a surge of spears</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Crash on unyielding ranks; while, from the sea</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of striving steel, with deathly singing shrill,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A spray of arrows flickered fitfully.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Amazed they stood, wide-eyed, with holden breath;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, of a sudden, flashed upon their sight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The golden helm in midmost of the fight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where, with high-lifted head and undismayed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sir Geoffrey rode, a very lord of death,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With ever-leaping, ever-crashing blade.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine watched long, now cold with quaking dread,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Now hot with hope as each assailant fell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The bright sword held her gaze as by a spell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Because love blinded her to all but love,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unmoved she watched the foemen shudder dead,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She whose heart erst the meanest woe could move.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, dazed, she saw a solitary shaft,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unloosed with certain aim from out the bow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Strike clean through Geoffrey's hauberk, and bring low</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The golden helm, while o'er him swiftly met</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The tides of fight. Christine a little laughed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With rattling throat, and stood with still eyes set.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Scarce Philip dared to raise his eyes to hers</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To see the terror there. No word she spake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But leaned a little forward through the brake</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>That bloomed about her in a golden blaze;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her hands were torn to bleeding by the furze,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet nothing could disturb that dreadful gaze.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then, gradually, the heaving battle swerved</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To northward, faltering broken, and afar</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It closed again, where, round a jutting scar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The flashing torrent of the river curved.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With eager step Christine ran down the hill,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And sped across the late-forsaken field</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To where, with shattered sword and splintered shield,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Among the mounded bodies Geoffrey lay.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She loosed his helm, but deathly pale and still</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>His young face gleamed within the light of day.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine beside him knelt, as Philip sought</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A draught of water from the peat-born stream;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When, in his eyes, at last, a fitful gleam</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flickered, and bending low, with straining ears,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The laboured breathing of her name she caught;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And over his dead face fell fast her tears.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Once more towards them the tide of battle swept;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Christine moved not. Young Philip on her cried,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And strove, in vain, to draw her safe aside.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A random shaft in her unshielded breast--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though hot to stay its course her brother leapt--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Struck quivering, and she slowly sank to rest.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">VI.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>Queen Hild sat weaving in her garden-close,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When on her startled ear there fell the news</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of Christine's flight before the darkling dews</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Had thrilled with dawn. A strand of golden thread</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Slipped from her trembling fingers as she rose</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And hastened to the castle with drooped head.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All morn she paced within her blinded room,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unresting, to and fro, her white hands clenched;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>All morn within her tearless eyes, unquenched,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Blue fires of anger smouldered, yet no moan</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Escaped her lips. Without, in summer bloom,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The garden murmured with bliss-burdened drone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of hover-flies and lily-charmed bees;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sometimes a finch lit on the window-ledge,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With shrilly pipe, or, from the rose-hung hedge,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A blackbird fluted; yet she neither heard</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Nor heeded aught; until, by rich degrees,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Drowsed into noon the noise of bee and bird.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, even when, without her chamber, stayed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A doubtful step, and timid fingers knocked,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She answered not, but, swiftly striding, locked</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yet more secure, with angry-clicking key,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The bolted door, and the affrighted maid</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto the waiting hall fled, fearfully.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Wearied at last, upon her bed Queen Hild</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In fitful slumber sank; but evil dreams</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of battle-stricken lands and blood-red streams</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Swirled through her brain. Then, suddenly, she woke,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Wide-eyed, and sat upright, with body chilled,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though in her throat the hot air seemed to choke.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Swiftly she rose; then, binding her loosed hair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She bathed her throbbing brows, and, cold and calm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Downstairs she glided, while the evening-psalm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In maiden-voices quavered, faint and sweet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And from the chapel-tower, through quivering air,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The bell's clear silver-tinkling clove the heat.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She strode into the hall where yet the King</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sat with his knights; a weary minstrel stirred</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Cool, throbbing wood-notes, throated like a bird,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From his soft-stringèd lute. With scornful eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hild looked on them and spake: "Can nothing sting</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Your slumberous hearts from slothful peace to rise?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Must only stripling-knights and maidens ride</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To battle, where, unceasing, foemen wage</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>War on your marches, and your wardens rage</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In impotent despair with desperate swords,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>While you, O King, with sheathèd arms abide?"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She paused, and, wondering, the King and lords</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Looked on her mutely; then, again, she spake:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Shall I, then, and my maidens sally forth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With battle-brands to conquer the wild north?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Yea, I will go! Who follows after me?"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As by a blow struck suddenly awake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The King leapt up, and, like a clamorous sea,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The knights about him. Scornfully the Queen</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Looked on them: "So my woman's words have roused</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The hands that slumbered and the hearts that drowsed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Make ready then for battle; ere seven days</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Have passed, the dawn must light your armour's sheen,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And in the sun your pennoned lances blaze."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Her voice ceased; and a pulsing flame of light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Flashed through the hall; in crashing thunder broke</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The heavy, hanging heat; the rafters woke</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In echo as the rainy torrent poured;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Bright gleamed the rapid lightning; yet more bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The war-lust kindled hot in every lord.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To clang of armour the seventh morning stirred</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>From slumber; restless hoof and champing bit</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Aroused the garth; and day, arising, lit</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A hundred lances, as, each bolt withdrawn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The courtyard-gate swung wide with noise far-heard,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And flickering pennons rode into the dawn--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before his knights, the King, and at his side,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Queen Hild, with ever-northward-gazing eyes;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But, ere they far had fared, in mute surprise</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They stayed and all drew rein, as down the road</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They saw a little band of warriors ride--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sore travel-stained--who bore a heavy load</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon a branch-hung litter; while before</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Came Philip, bearing a war-broken lance.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Though King and lords looked, wondering, in a glance</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Queen Hild had read the sorrow of his face</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And pierced the leaf-hid secret--which e'ermore</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A brand of fire upon her heart would trace.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Darkness about her swirled, but, with a fierce</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Wild, conquering shudder, shaking herself free,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unto the light she clung, though like a sea</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It surged and eddied round her; yet so still</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She sat, none knew her steely eyes could pierce</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The leafy screen. With guilty terror chill,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>She heard the king speak--sadly riding forth:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>"Whence come you, Philip, battle-stained and slow?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>What burden bear you with such brows of woe?"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Then Philip answered, mournfully: "I bring</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Two wanderers home from out the perilous north.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Prepare to gaze on death's defeat, O King."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They lowered the litter slowly to the ground;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Back fell the branches; in the light of day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In calm, white sleep Christine and Geoffrey lay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And at their feet the baleful Helm of Strife</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sword-cloven. Hushed stood all the knights around,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When spake the King, alighting: "Come, O wife,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And let us twain, with humble heads low-bowed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Even at the feet of love triumphant stand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A little while together, hand in hand."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The Queen obeyed; but, fearfully, she shrank</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Before the eyes of death, and, quaking, cowed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>With moaning cry, low in the dust she sank.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">PRINTED BY R. FOLKARD AND SON, -<br />23, DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE, BLOOMSBURY.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE GOLDEN HELM</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42052"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42052</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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-
-.. meta::
- :PG.Id: 42052
- :PG.Title: The Golden Helm
- :PG.Released: 2013-02-08
- :PG.Rights: Public Domain
- :PG.Producer: Al Haines
- :DC.Creator: Wilfrid Wilson Gibson
- :DC.Title: The Golden Helm
- and Other Verse
- :DC.Language: en
- :DC.Created: 1903
- :coverpage: images/img-cover.jpg
-
-===============
-THE GOLDEN HELM
-===============
-
-.. clearpage::
-
-.. pgheader::
-
-.. container:: coverpage
-
- .. vspace:: 3
-
- .. _`Cover`:
-
- .. figure:: images/img-cover.jpg
- :align: center
- :alt: Cover
-
- Cover
-
- .. vspace:: 4
-
-.. container:: titlepage center white-space-pre-line
-
- .. class:: x-large
-
- THE
- GOLDEN HELM
- AND OTHER VERSE
-
- .. vspace:: 2
-
- .. class:: medium
-
- BY
- WILFRID WILSON GIBSON
-
- .. vspace:: 3
-
- .. class:: center medium
-
- LONDON
- ELKIN MATHEWS, VIGO STREET
- 1903
-
- .. vspace:: 4
-
-.. container:: dedication center white-space-pre-line
-
- .. class:: center medium
-
- TO
- HOWARD PEASE
-
- .. vspace:: 4
-
-.. class:: center medium
-
- *BY THE SAME WRITER*
-
-.. vspace:: 1
-
-.. class:: center medium white-space-pre-line
-
- *URLYN THE HARPER AND OTHER SONG*
- *THE QUEEN'S VIGIL AND OTHER SONG*
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-Thanks are due to Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., for
-permission to reprint "The King's Death," "The Three
-Kings," and the first part of "Averlaine and Arkeld,"
-from *The Cornhill Magazine*; to the editor of
-*Macmillan's Magazine* for leave to reprint "In the Valley";
-to the editor of *The Saturday Review* for leave to
-reprint "Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière"; and to the
-editors of *The Pilot, The Outlook, The Pall Mall Gazette,
-Country Life, The Week's Survey*, and *The Broadsheet*,
-for like courtesy with regard to a number of "The Songs
-of Queen Averlaine."
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- Contents
-
-.. vspace:: 1
-
-.. class:: noindent white-space-pre-line
-
- `The Torch`_
- `The Unknown Knight`_
- `The King's Death`_
- `The Knight of the Wood`_
- `Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière`_
- `In the Valley`_
- `The Vision: a Christmas Mystery`_
- `The Three Kings`_
- `The Songs of Queen Averlaine`_
- `The Golden Helm`_
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. _`The Torch`:
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- The Torch
-
-.. vspace:: 2
-
-| Through skies blown clear by storm, o'er storm-spent seas,
-| Day kindled pale with promise of full noon
-| Of blue unclouded; no night-weary wind
-| Ruffled the slumberous, heaving deeps to white,
-| Though round the Farne Isles the waves never sink
-| In foamless sleep--about the pillared crags
-| For ever circling with unresting spray.
-| At dawn's first glimmer, from his island-cell--
-| Rock-hewn, secure from tempest--Oswald came
-| With slow and weary step, white-faced and worn
-| With night-long vigil for storm-perilled souls.
-| His anxious eye with sharp foreboding bright--
-| He scanned the treacherous flood; the long froth-trail
-| That marks the lurking reefs; the jag-toothed chasms
-| Which, foaming, gape at night beneath the keel--
-| The mouth of hell to storm-bewildered ships:
-| But no scar-stranded vessel met his glance.
-| Relieved, he drank the glistering calm of morn,
-| With nostril keen and warm lips parted wide;
-| While, gradually, the sun-enkindled air
-| Quickened his pallid cheek with youthful flame,
-| Though lonely years had silvered his dark head,
-| And round his eyes had woven shadow-meshes.
-| Clearly he caught the ever-clamorous cries
-| Of guillemot and puffin from afar,
-| Where, canopied by hovering, white wings,
-| They crowded naked pinnacles of rock.
-| He watched, with eyes of glistening tenderness,
-| The brooding eider--Cuthbert's sacred bird,
-| That bears among the isles his saintly name--
-| Breast the calm waves; a black, wet-gleaming fin
-| Cleft the blue waters with a foaming jag,
-| Where, close behind the restless herring-herd,
-| With ravening maw of death, the porpoise sped.
-| Oswald, light-tranced, dreamed in the sun awhile;
-| Till, suddenly, as some old sorrow starts,
-| Though years have glided by with soothing lull,
-| The gust of ancient longing rent his bliss:
-| His narrow isle, as by some darkling spell,
-| More narrow shrank; the gulls' unceasing cries
-| Grew still more fretful; and his hermit-life
-| A sea-scourged desolation to him seemed.
-| The holy tree of peace--which he had dreamt
-| Would flourish in the wilderness afresh,
-| Upspringing ever in new ecstasy
-| Of branching beauty and white blooms of truth,
-| Till its star-tangling crest should cleave the sky,
-| And angels rustle through its topmost boughs--
-| Seemed sapless, rootless. Through his quivering limbs
-| His famine-wasted youth to life upleapt
-| With passionate yearning for humanity:
-| The stir of towns; the jostling of glad throngs;
-| Welcoming faces and warm-clasping hands;
-| Yea, even for the lips and eyes of Love
-| He hungered with keen pangs of old desire:
-| And, if for him these might not be, he craved
-| At least the exultation of swift peril--
-| The red-foamed riot of delirious strife
-| That rears a bloody crest o'er peaceful shires,
-| And, slaying, in a swirl of slaughter dies.
-| With brow uplifted and strained, pulsing throat,
-| And salt-parched lips out-thrust, unto the sun
-| He stretched beseeching hands, as though he sought
-| To snatch some glittering disaster thence.
-| One moment radiant thus; and then once more
-| His arms dropped listless, and he slowly shrank
-| Within his sea-stained habit, cowering dark
-| Amid the azure blaze of sea and sky.
-| Then, stirring, with impatient step he moved
-| Across the isle to where the rocky shore,
-| Forming a little, crag-encircled bay,
-| Sloped steeply to the level of the sea;
-| But, as he neared the edges of the tide,
-| Startled, he paused, as, marvelling, he saw
-| A woman on the shelving, wet, black rock,
-| Lying, forlorn, among the storm-wrack, white
-| And motionless; still wet, her raiment clung
-| About her limbs, and with her wet, gold hair
-| Green sea-weed tangled. Oswald on her looked
-| Amazed, as one who, in a sea-born trance,
-| Discovers the lone spirit of the storm,
-| Self-spent at last, and sunk in dreamless slumber
-| Within some caverned gloom. Coldly he watched
-| The little waves creep up the glistening rock,
-| And, faltering, slide once more into the deep,
-| As though they feared to waken her: at length,
-| When one, more venturous, about her stole,
-| And moved her heavy hair as if with life,
-| He shuddered; and a lightning-knowledge struck
-| His heart with fear; and in a flash he knew
-| That no sea-phantom couched before him lay,
-| But some frail fellow-creature, tempest-tost,
-| Hung yet in peril on the edge of death,
-| Her weak life slipping from the saving grasp
-| While he delayed. He sprang through plashy weed,
-| O'er slippery ridges, to the rock whereon
-| She lay with upturned face and close-shut eyes--
-| One hand across her breast, the other dipped
-| Within a shallow pool of emerald water,
-| With blue-veined fingers clutching the red fronds
-| Of frail sea-weed. Then Oswald, bending, felt
-| Upon his cheek the feeble breath that still
-| Fluttered between the pallid, parted lips.
-| In trembling haste, he loosed the sodden cords
-| That bound her to a spar; and with hot hands
-| He chafed her icy limbs, until the glow
-| Of life returned. With fitful quivering
-| The white lids opened; and she looked on him
-| With dull, unwondering eyes whose deep-sea blue
-| The gloom of death's late passing shadowed yet;
-| When suddenly light thrilled them, and bright fear
-| Flashed from their depths, and, with a little gasp,
-| She strove to rise; but Oswald with quick words
-| Calmed her weak terror, and she sank once more,
-| Closing her eyes; and, gently lifting her
-| Within his arms--her gold hair hanging straight
-| And heavy with sea-water, as he plunged
-| Knee-deep through pools of crackling bladder-weed--
-| He bore her, unresisting, o'er the isle
-| Unto the rock-built shelter he had reared,
-| Some little way apart from his own cell,
-| For storm-stayed fishers or wrecked mariners.
-| He laid her on a bed of withered bents,
-| And ministered to her with gentle hands
-| And ceaseless care; till, wrapped in warm, deep sleep,
-| She sank oblivious. Silently he placed
-| His island-fare beside her on the board,
-| Lest she should wake in need; then, with hushed step,
-| He turned to go; but, ere he reached the door,
-| He paused, and looked again towards the bed,
-| As though he feared his strange sea-guest might flee
-| Like some wild spirit, born of wondering foam,
-| That wins from man the shelter of his breast,
-| Then, on a night of moon-enchanted tides,
-| Leaps with shrill laughter to its native seas,
-| Bearing his soul within its glistening arms,
-| To drown his peace on earth and hope of heaven
-| In cold eternities of lightless deeps.
-| But still in dreamless sleep the stranger lay,
-| With parted lips and breathing soft and calm;
-| About her head unloosed, her hair outshone,
-| Among the grey-green bents, like fine, red gold.
-| So beautiful she was that Oswald, pierced
-| With quivering rapture, dared no longer bide,
-| But, with quick fingers, softly raised the latch,
-| And stumbled o'er the threshold. As he went,
-| A flock of sea-gulls from the bent-thatched roof
-| Rose, querulous, and round him, wheeling, swept,
-| With creaking wings and cold, black eyes agleam;
-| Yet Oswald saw them not, nor heard their cries;
-| Nor saw he, as he paced the eastern crags,
-| How, round the Farnes, the dreaming ocean lay
-| In broad, unshadowed, sapphire ecstasy,
-| That glowed to noon through slow, uncounted hours.
-| His early gloom had vanished; time and space
-| And earth and sea no longer compassed him;
-| One thought alone consumed him--beauty slept
-| Within the shelter of his hermitage,
-| Upon grey, rustling bents, with golden hair.
-| He roamed, unresting, till the copper sun
-| Sank in a steel-grey sea, and earth and sky
-| Were strewn with shadows--wavering and dim--
-| To weave a pathway for the dawning moon,
-| That she, from night's oblivion, might create
-| With the cold spell of her enchantments old
-| A phantom earth with magical, bright seas,
-| A vaster heaven of unrevealed stars.
-| Unmoving, on a headland of swart crag
-| That jutted gaunt and sharp against the night,
-| Stood Oswald, cowled and silent. Hour by hour
-| He gazed across the sea, which nothing shadowed,
-| Save where--now dim, now white--a lonely sail
-| Hung, restless, o'er a fisher's barren toil.
-| Yet Oswald saw nor sail nor moon nor sea:
-| His heart kept vigil by the little house
-| Wherein the stranger slumbered; and it seemed
-| His life, by some strange power within him stayed,
-| Awaited the unlatching of the door.
-
-| But now, within the hut, the sleeper dreamt
-| Of foaming caverns and o'erwhelming waters;
-| Then, shuddering awake, awhile she lay,
-| And watched the moonlight, cold and white, which poured
-| Through the warm dusk, from the high window-slit;
-| When, all at once, the strangeness of the room
-| Closed in upon her with bewildering dread.
-| She stirred; the bents, beneath her, rustled strange;
-| She started in affright, and, swaying, stood
-| Within the streaming moonlight, till, at last,
-| In memory, once more disaster swept
-| Over her life, and left her, desolate,
-| Upon bleak crags of alien seas unknown.
-| Yet, through the tumult of tempestuous dark,
-| Above the echo of despairing cries,
-| A calm voice sounded; and beyond the whirl
-| Of foaming death, wherein she caught the gleam
-| Of well-loved faces drowning in cold seas,
-| A living face shone out--a beacon clear:
-| Then numbing fear fell from her, and she moved,
-| Unlatched the door, and stole into the night.
-| One moment, dazzled by the full-moon glare,
-| She paused, a shivering form within the wide
-| And glittering desolation--lone and frail.
-| But Oswald, watchful on the eastern scars,
-| Seeing her, forward came with eager pace
-| To meet her; and, as he drew swiftly near,
-| His cowl fell backward; and she knew again
-| The face that calmed the terrors of her dreams.
-| Yet, with the knowledge, through her being stole,
-| Vague fear more strange, more impotent than the blind
-| Unquestioning dread when death had round her stormed;
-| No peril of the body could arouse
-| Such ecstasy of terror in her soul,
-| Which seemed upborne upon the shivering crest
-| Of some great wave, just curving, ere it crash
-| Upon the crags of time. Yet, though she feared
-| When Oswald paused, uncertain, quick she spake,
-| As though she sought to parry doom with words.
-| She questioned him--scarce heeding his replies--
-| How she had hither come; when, suddenly,
-| Sped by her fluttering words, the last, dim cloud
-| Rolled from her memory, and she saw revealed
-| Within a pitiless glare of naked light
-| The utmost horror of her desolation.
-| Mute with despair, she stood with parted lips,
-| And then cried fiercely: "Hath the sea upcast
-| None other on this shore? Am I, alone,
-| Of all my kin who sailed in that doomed ship,
-| Flung back to life?" And as, with piteous glance,
-| He answered her: "Ah God, that I, with them,
-| Had died! O traitor cords that held too sure
-| My body to the broken spar of life!
-| O feeble seas, that fumed in such wild wrath,
-| Yet could not quench so frail a thing as I!"
-| With passionate step, across the isle she ran,
-| And leapt from crag to crag, until she stood
-| Upon a dizzy scar that jutted sheer
-| Above low-lapping waves. Then once again
-| Her moaning cry was heard among the Isles:
-| "O bitter waters, give them back to me!
-| You shall not keep them; all your waves of woe
-| Cannot withhold from me those dauntless lives
-| That were my life. Surely they cannot rest
-| Without me; even from your unfathomed graves
-| Surely my love will draw them to my arms!"
-| As though in tremulous expectation tranced,
-| She yearned, with arms outstretched; as dawn arose
-| Exultant from the sea, and with clear rays
-| Kindled her wind-tost hair to streaming flame.
-
-| Awhile she stood, then, moaning, slowly sank
-| Upon the crag; and Oswald came to her
-| With words of comfort which unloosed her pent
-| And aching woe in swift, tumultuous tears.
-| Oswald, in silent anguish, drew apart,
-| Gazing, unseeing, o'er the dawning waves;
-| Until at last the tempest of her grief,
-| In low and fitful sobbing, spent itself;
-| When, turning to him, once again she spake,
-| And, shuddering, with faltering voice, outpoured
-| The tale of her despair: and Oswald heard
-| How she, who sat thus strangely by his side,
-| Marna, a sea-earl's daughter, had besought
-| Her father, when the old sea-hunger lit
-| His eyes--as waves shot through with stormy fight--
-| For leave to bear him company but once,
-| When, with his sons, he rode the adventurous seas;
-| How he had yielded with reluctant love;
-| And how, from out the firth of some far strand,
-| Their galley rode, beneath a flaming dawn;
-| How her young heart had leapt to see the sails
-| Unfurled to take the wind, as, one by one,
-| Toil-glistening rowers shipped the dripping oars,
-| And loosened every sheet before the breeze;
-| How, as the ship with timbers all astrain,
-| Leapt to mid-sea, through Marna's body thrilled
-| A kindred rapture, and there came to her
-| The sheer, delirious joy of them true-born
-| To wander with the foam--each creaking cord
-| That tugged the quivering mast unto her singing
-| Of unknown shores and far, enchanted lands,
-| Beyond the blue horizon; how, all day,
-| They rode, undaunted, through the spinning surf;
-| But, as the sun dipped, in the cold, grey tide,
-| The wind, that since the dawn with steady speed
-| Had filled the sails, now came in fitful gusts,
-| Fierce and yet fiercer, till the sullen waves
-| Were lashed to anger, and the waters leapt
-| To tussle with the furies of the air;
-| And how the ship, in the encounter caught,
-| Was tossed on crests of swirling dark, or dropped
-| Between o'er-toppling walls of whelming night;
-| How in those hours--too dread for thought or speech--
-| Her father's hand had bound her to a spar;
-| And, even as--the cord between his teeth--
-| He tugged the last knot sure, the vessel crashed
-| Upon a cleaving scar; and she but saw
-| The strong, pale faces looking upon death,
-| Before the fierce, exultant waters closed
-| With cold oblivion o'er them; and no more
-| She knew, until she waked within the hut,
-| To find her world, in one disastrous night,
-| In one swift surge of roaring darkness, swept
-| From her young feet; her kindred, home and friends,
-| And all familiar hopes and joys and fears
-| Dropt like a garment from her life, which now
-| Stood naked on the edge of some new world
-| Of unknown terrors.
-| Oswald heard her tale
-| With pitying glance; yet in his eyes arose
-| A strange, new light, which as each gust of grief
-| Shook out the fluttering words, more brightly burned;
-| So that, when Marna ceased, it seemed to her
-| That he, in holy contemplation rapt,
-| Had heeded not her woe; and from her heart
-| Burst out a cry: "Ah God, I am alone!"
-| But, stung by her shrill anguish, Oswald waked
-| From his bright reverie, and his shining eyes
-| Darkened with swift compassion, as he turned
-| And, trembling, spake: "Nay, not alone..."
-| Then mute
-| He stood--his pale lips clenched--as though within
-| There surged a torrent which he dared not loose.
-| Marna looked wondering up; but, when her eyes
-| Saw the white passion of his face, her soul
-| Was tossed once more on crests of unknown fears;
-| Yet rapture warred with terror in her heart;
-| She trembled, and her breath came short and quick.
-| She dared not raise her eyes again to his,
-| Till, on her straining ears, his words, once more,
-| Fell, slow and cold and clear as water dripping
-| Between locked sluice-gates: "Nothing need you fear.
-| Beyond the sea of unknown terrors lie
-| White havens of an undiscovered peace.
-| For even this bleak, scar-embattled coast
-| May yield safe harbour to the storm-spent soul.
-| Your world has fallen from you that you may
-| Enter another world, more beautiful,
-| Built 'neath the shadow of the throne of God.
-| There shall you find new friends, who yet will seem
-| Familiar to your eyes, because their souls
-| Have passed through kindred perils and despairs."
-| He ceased; and silence, trembling, 'twixt them hung;
-| Till Marna, gazing yet across the sea,
-| Rent it with words: "Where may I find this peace?"
-| And Oswald answered: "In an inland dale
-| The Sisters of the Cross await your coming,
-| With ever-open gate. Within seven days,
-| My brethren from the mainland will put out,
-| Bringing me food; on their return with them
-| You may embark. Till then, this barren rock
-| Must be your home." Exultant light once more
-| Leapt, flashing, in the depths of his dark eyes.
-| Yet Marna looked not up, but, slowly, spake:
-| "Yea, I must go.... But you...."
-| Then in dismay
-| She stopped, as though the thought had slipped unknown
-| From her full heart; but Oswald caught the words,
-| And spake with hard, quick speech, as if to baffle
-| Some doubt that strove within him: "On this Isle
-| I bide, till God shall kindle my weak soul
-| To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas."
-| Once more he paused; and perilous silence swayed
-| Between them, until Oswald, quaking, rose,
-| As one who dared no longer rest beneath
-| O'er-toppling doom. Yet, with calm voice, he spake:
-| "Even within this wilderness abides
-| Such beauty that, in your brief sojourn here,
-| Your soul shall starve not; all about you sweeps
-| The ever-changing wonder of the sea;
-| But if, too full of bitter memories,
-| The bright waves darken, you may lift your eyes
-| To watch the swooping gull; the flashing tern;
-| The stately cormorant and the kittiwake--
-| Most beautiful of all the island-birds;
-| Or, if your woman's heart should crave some grace
-| More exquisite, see, frail bell-campions blow,
-| As foam-flowers on the shallow, sandy turf."
-| As thus he spake, a light in Marna's eyes
-| Arose, and sorrow left her for awhile:
-| And she with bright glance questioned him, and watched
-| The hovering gulls, and plucked the snowy blooms,
-| With little cries at each discovered beauty.
-| Yet Oswald by her side walked silently,
-| And watched, as one struck mute with anguished fear,
-| Her eager eyes, and heard her chattering words.
-| Then, suddenly, he left her, but returned
-| Within the hour, with faltering step, and spake
-| With tremulous voice: "We two must part awhile;
-| For I must keep lone vigil in my cell
-| Six days and nights, with fasting and with prayer;
-| Meanwhile, within the little hut for you
-| Are food and shelter till the brethren come.
-| When I must give you over to their care."
-| Marna, with wondering heart, looked up at him;
-| But such a wild light flickered in his eyes
-| She dared not speak; and, shuddering, he turned,
-| And strode back swiftly to the hermitage.
-
-| Marna looked after him with yearning gaze,
-| As though her heart would have her call him back,
-| Yet her lips moved not; motionless, she watched
-| Until he passed from sight; then, sinking low
-| Among the flowers, she wept, she knew not why.
-
-| And, as the door closed on him, Oswald fell
-| Prone on the cold, black, vigil-furrowed rock
-| That paved his narrow cell; and long he lay
-| As in the clutch of some dread waking-trance,
-| Nor stirred until the shadows into night
-| Were woven. Then unto his feet he leapt
-| With this wild cry: "O God, why hast Thou sent
-| This scourge most bitter for my naked soul?
-| I feared not storm nor solitude, O God;
-| I shrank not from the tempest of Thy wrath;
-| Though oft my weak soul wavered, trampled o'er
-| By deedless hours, and yearned unto the world,
-| Ever afresh Thy love hath bound me fast
-| Unto this island of Thy lonely seas;
-| And I, who deemed that I at last might reach--
-| I who had come through all--Thy golden haven,
-| Knew not Thy hand withheld this last despair,
-| This scourge most bitter, being most beautiful."
-| Then on his knees he sank, and tried to pray
-| Before the Virgin's shrine, where ever burned
-| His votive taper with unfailing light.
-| But when his lips would breathe the holy name,
-| His heart cried: "Marna! Marna!" Every pulse
-| Throbbed "Marna!" And his body shook and swayed,
-| As though it strove to utter that one word,
-| And cry it once unto eternal stars,
-| Though it should perish crying. Through the cell
-| The silence murmured: "Marna!" And without
-| A lone gull wailed it to the windy night.
-| He lifted his wild eyes, and in the shrine
-| He saw the face of Marna, which outburned
-| The flickering taper; on the gloom up-surged,
-| Foam-white, the face of Marna; till the dark
-| Flowed pitiful o'er him, and on the stone
-| He sank unconscious. Night went slowly by,
-| And pale dawn stole in silence through his cell;
-| And, in the light of morn, the taper died,
-| With feeble guttering; yet he never stirred,
-| Though noonday waxed and waned.
-| But Marna roamed
-| All night beneath the stars. To her it seemed
-| That not until the closing of the door
-| Had all hope perished: now death tore, afresh,
-| Her father and her brothers from her arms.
-| By day and night and under sun and moon
-| She roamed unresting--seeing, heeding naught--
-| Till weariness o'ercame her, and she slept;
-| And, as she slumbered, snowy-plumed peace
-| Nestled within her heart; and, when she waked,
-| She only yearned for that dim, cloistral calm,
-| Embosomed deep in some bough-sheltered vale,
-| Whither the boat must bear her.
-| In his cell,
-| As night paled slowly to the seventh morn,
-| Oswald arose--the fire within his eyes
-| Yet more intense, more fierce. With eager hand
-| He clutched the latch, and, flinging wide the door,
-| He strode into the dawn. One moment, dazed,
-| As though bewildered by the light, he paused;
-| But, when his glance in restless roving fell
-| On Marna, standing on the western crag
-| Against the setting moon, beneath the dawn,
-| His passion surged upon him, and he shook;
-| Then, springing madly forth, he, stumbling, ran,
-| And, falling at her feet upon the rock,
-| His voice rang out in fearful exultation:
-| "You shall not go! I cannot let you go!
-| Has not the tumult tossed you to my breast?
-| Yea, and not all the storms of all the seas
-| Shall drag you from me! Nay, you shall not go!
-| For we will live together on this isle
-| Which time has builded in the deeps for us--
-| We two together, one in ecstasy,
-| Throughout eternity; for time shall fall
-| From off us; and the world shall be no more:
-| And God, if God should stand between us now..."
-| Faltering, he paused; and Marna stood, afraid,
-| Quaking before him; but she spake no word.
-| Across the waters came the plash of oars;
-| But Oswald heard them not, and once more cried:
-| "You will not go--thrusting me back to death?
-| For now I know the strange, new thing you brought
-| For me from out the storm was life--yea, life;
-| And I am one arisen from the grave.
-| You will not thrust me back and take again
-| That which you came through storm to bring to me?
-| You will not go? I cannot let you go!"
-
-| He ceased; and now the even plash of oars
-| Came clearer. One dread moment Marna stood
-| Swaying; then, stretching forth her arms, she cried:
-| "Ah God! Ah God! Why hath Thy cold hand set
-| This doom upon me? Must I ever bear
-| Death and disaster unto whom I love?
-| Oh, is it not enough that, 'neath the wave,
-| Because I sought to bear them company,
-| My father and my brothers lie in death?
-| But this--ah God--that it should come to this!
-| Must I bear ever death within my hands?"
-
-| She paused one moment, with wild-heaving breast;
-| Then, turning unto Oswald, spake again,
-| With softer voice: "But you--have you no pity?
-| You who are but God's servant--surely you
-| Have pity on my weakness. From this doom
-| Which overhangs me you must set me free.
-| You say I brought you life; but in me lies
-| For you--the priest of God--a death more deep
-| Than all the drowning fathoms of the sea.
-| I go, that you may live. If life indeed
-| I brought you, I was but the torch of God
-| To kindle the clear flame of your strong soul
-| To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas."
-| She ceased, with arms outstretched and lighted eyes.
-| As on some holy vision Oswald gazed
-| In rapt, adoring fear; nor spake, nor stirred.
-| Near, and yet nearer, drew the plash of oars;
-| And, turning in the boat, the brethren looked
-| With wondering eyes upon them, whispering: "Lo,
-| Some seraph-messenger of God most high
-| Tarries with Oswald. See the strange new peace
-| That burns his face like a white altar-flame.
-| Not yet must we draw near, lest our weak sight
-| Be blinded by that glory of gold hair
-| That gleams so strangely in the light of dawn."
-
-
-
-
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. _`The Unknown Knight`:
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- The Unknown Knight
-
-.. vspace:: 2
-
-| When purple gloomed the wintry ridge
-| Against the sunset's windy flame,
-| From pine-browed hills, along the bridge,
-| An unknown rider came.
-
-| I watched him idly from the tower.
-| Though he nor looked nor raised his head;
-| I felt my life before him cower
-| In dumb, foreboding dread.
-
-| I saw him to the portal win
-| Unchallenged, and no lackey stirred
-| To take his bridle when within
-| He strode without a word.
-
-| Through all the house he passed unstayed,
-| Until he reached my father's door;
-| The hinge shrieked out like one afraid;
-| Then silence fell once more.
-
-| All night I hear the chafing ice
-| Float, griding, down the swollen stream;
-| I lie fast-held in terror's vice,
-| Nor dare to think or dream.
-
-| I only know the unknown knight
-| Keeps vigil by my father's bed:
-| Oh, who shall wake to see the light
-| Flame all the east with red?
-
-
-
-
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. _`The King's Death`:
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- The King's Death
-
-.. vspace:: 2
-
-*The sleeping-chamber of the King: a candle burns
-dimly by the curtained bed. The arras parts, and
-two slaves enter with daggers. A storm of wind rages
-without.*
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: He sleeps.
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: He sleeps, whom only death shall rouse
-| To dread unsleeping in another world.
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: How long the careful night has kept him wakeful,
-| As if sleep loathed to snare him for our knives!
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: Yea, we have crouched so close in quaking dark
-| I scarce can lift my sword-arm: strike you first.
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: The heavy waiting hours have crushed my strength;
-| The hate that burst to such an eager flame
-| Within my heart has smouldered to dull ash,
-| Which pity breathes to scatter.
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: Knows he pity?
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: Nay, he is throned above his slaughtered kin,
-| A reeking sword his sceptre. He has broken,
-| As one across the knee a faggot snaps,
-| Strong lives to feed the blaze of his ambition;
-| Yet shall a slave's hand strike cold death in him
-| For whom kings sweat like slaves?
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: Yea, at the stroke
-| One slave lies dead--a hundred kings are born;
-| For every man that breathes will be a king;
-| Vast empires, beaten-dust beneath his feet,
-| Will rise again and teem with kingly men,
-| When he, their death, is dead
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: How still he sleeps!
-| The tempest shrieks to wake him, yet he slumbers.
-| As seas that foam against unyielding scars,
-| The mad wind storms the castle, wall and tower,
-| And is not spent. Hark, it has found a breach--
-| Some latch unloosed--the house is full of wind;
-| It rushes, wailing, down the corridor;
-| It seeks the King; it cries on him to waken;
-| Now 'tis without, and shakes the rattling bolt;
-| Lo, it has broken in, in little gusts,
-| I feel it in my hair; 'twill lay cold fingers
-| Upon his lips, and start him from his sleep.
-| See, it has whipt the yellow flame to smoke.
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: And now it fails; the heavy, hanging gold
-| That shelters him from night is all unstirred.
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: Even the wind must pause.
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: 'Twas but a breeze
-| To blow our sinking courage to clear fire.
-| Too long we loiter; soon the approaching day
-| Will take us, slaves who grasp the arms of men
-| Yet dare not plunge them save in our own breasts.
-| Come, let us strike!
-
-| (*They approach the bed and draw aside the curtain.*)
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: The King--how still he sleeps!
-| Can majesty in such calm slumber lie?
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: Come, falter not, strike home!
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: Hold, hold your hand,
-| For death has stolen a march upon our hate;
-| He does not breathe.
-
-| SECOND SLAVE: The stars have wrought for us,
-| And we are conquerors with unbloodied hands.
-
-| FIRST SLAVE: Nay, nay, for in our thoughts his life was spilt;
-| While yet our bodies lagged in fettered fear,
-| Our shafted breath sped on and stabbed his sleep.
-| Oh, red for all the world, across our brows,
-| Our murderous thoughts have burned the brand of Cain.
-| See, through the window stares the pitiless day!
-
-
-
-
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. _`The Knight of the Wood`:
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- The Knight of the Wood
-
-.. vspace:: 2
-
-| "I fear the Knight of the Wood," she said
-| "For him may no man overthrow.
-| Where boughs are matted thick o'erhead,
-| There gleams, amid the shadows dread,
-| The terror of his armour red;
-| And all men fear him, high and low;
-| Yet all must through the forest go."
-
-| She paused awhile where larches flame
-| About the borders of the wood;
-| Then, crying loud on Love's high name
-| To keep her maiden-heart from shame,
-| She entered, and full-swiftly came
-| Where, hooded with a scarlet hood,
-| A rider in her pathway stood.
-
-| She saw the gleam of armour red;
-| She saw the fiery pennon wave
-| Its flaming terror overhead
-| 'Mid writhing boughs and shadows dread.
-| "Ah God," she cried: "that I were dead,
-| And laid for ever in my grave!"
-| Then, swooning, called on Love to save.
-
-| Among the springing fern she fell,
-| And very nigh to death she lay;
-| Till, like the fading of a spell
-| At ringing of the matin-bell,
-| The darkness left her; by a well
-| She waked beneath the open day,
-| And rose to go upon her way;
-
-| When, once again, the ruddy light
-| Of arms she saw, and turned to flee;
-| But clutching brambles stayed her flight;
-| While, marvelling, she saw the Knight
-| Unhooded; and his eyes were bright
-| With April colours of the sea;
-| And crowned as a King was he.
-
-| She knelt before him in the ferns,
-| And sang: "O Lord of Love, I bow
-| Before thy shield, where blazoned burns
-| The flaming heart with light that turns
-| The night to day. O heart that yearns
-| For love, lo, Love before thee now--
-| The wild-wood knight with crownèd brow!"
-
-
-
-
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. _`Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière`:
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière
-
-.. vspace:: 2
-
-| Above Thy halo's burning blue
-| For ever hovers the White Dove;
-| Thy heart enshrines, for ever new,
-| The Cross--the Crown of all Thy love;
-| While, sapphire wing on sapphire wing,
-| About Thee choiring angels swing
-| Gold censers, and bright candles bear.
-| Because I have no heart to sing,
-| I come to Thee with all my care,
-| *Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.*
-
-| Because the sword hath pierced Thy side,
-| Thy brows are crowned with circling gold.
-| The woe of all the world doth hide
-| Within Thy mantle's azure fold.
-| Because Thou, too, hast dwelt with fears,
-| Through lingering days and endless years,
-| I find no comfort otherwhere,
-| Our Lady beautiful with tears,
-| Our Lady sorrowfully fair,
-| *Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.*
-
-| My feet have travelled the hot road
-| Between the poppies' barren fires;
-| But now I cast aside the load
-| Of burning hopes and wild desires
-| That ever fierce and fiercer grew.
-| Thy peace falls like a falling dew
-| Upon me as I kneel in prayer,
-| Because Thou hast known sorrow, too,
-| Because Thou, too, hast known despair,
-| *Notre Dame de la Belle-Verrière.*
-
-
-
-
-
-.. vspace:: 4
-
-.. _`In the Valley`:
-
-.. class:: center large
-
- In the Valley
-
-.. vspace:: 2
-
-| Love, take my hand, and look not with sad eyes
-| Through the valley-shades: for us, the mountains rise;
-| Beneath the cold, blue-cleaving peaks of snow
-| Like flame the April-blossomed almonds blow--
-| Spring-grace and winter-glory intertwined
-| Within the glittering web that colour weaves.
-
-| *Yet who are they who troop so close behind*
-| *With raiment rustling like frost-withered leaves*
-| *That burden winter-winds with ever-restless sighs?*
-
-| Love, look not back, nor ever hearken more
-| To murmuring shades; for us, the river-shore
-| Is lit with dew-hung daffodils that gleam
-| On either side the tawny, foaming stream
-| That bears through April with triumphal song
-| Dissolving winter to the brimming sea.
-
-| *Yet who are they who, ever-whispering, throng,*
-| *With lean, grey lips that shudder piteously,*
-| *As if from some bright fruit of bitter-tasting core?*
-
-| Nay, look not back, for, lo, in trancèd light
-| Love stays awhile his world-encircling flight
-| To wait our coming from the valley-ways;
-| See where, a hovering fire amid the blaze,
-| He pants aflame with irised plumes unfurled
-| Above the utmost pinnacle of noon.
-
-| *Yet who are they who wander through the world*
-| *Like weary clouds about a wintry moon,*
-| *With wan, bewildered brows that bear eternal night?*
-
-| Love, look not back, nor fill thy heart with woe
-| Of old, sad loves that perished long ago;
-| For ever after living lovers tread
-| Pale, yearning ghosts of all earth's lovers dead.
-| A little while with life we lead the train
-| Ere we, too, follow, cold, some breathing love.
-
-| *I fear their fevered eyes and hands that strain*
-| *To snatch our joy that flutters bright above,*
-| *To shadow with grey death its ruddy, pulsing glow.*
-
-| Love, look not back in this life-crowning hour
-| When all our love breaks into perfect flower
-| Beneath the kindling heights of frozen time.
-| Come, Love, that we with happy haste may climb
-| Beyond the valley, and may chance to see
-| Some unknown peak that cleaves unfading skies.
-
-| *Old sorrow saps my strength; I may not flee*
-| *The flame of passionate hunger in their eyes;*
-| *Beseeching shade on shade--they hold me in their power.*
-
-| Love, look not back, for, all too brief, our day,
-| In wilder glories flameth fast away.
-| Lo, even now, the northern snow-ridge glows--
-| With purple shadowed--from pale gold to rose
-| That shivers white beneath stars dawning cold.
-| Lift up thine eyes ere all the colour fades.
-
-| *Ah, rainbow-plumèd Love in airs of gold,*
-| *Too late I turn, a shade among the shades.*
-| *To follow, death-enthralled, thy flight through ages grey.*
-
-
-
-
-
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-.. _`The Vision: a Christmas Mystery`:
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-
- The Vision.
-
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-
- A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY.
-
-| PERSONS: A YOUNG HERD. HIS MOTHER.
-| SCENE: THE QUEEN'S CRAGS.
-| TIME: CHRISTMAS EVE.
-
-*The herd stands at the foot of the Crags, gazing
-across the dark fells. His mother enters.*
-
-| MOTHER: Son, come home, nor tarry here
-| In this peril-haunted place.
-| My old heart is filled with fear
-| By the white flame of thy face,
-| And thine eyes whose restless fire
-| Burneth ever wild and clear
-| As red peats between the bars.
-| Son, come home; the night is cold;
-| Dropping from the wintry stars,
-| Tingling frost falls through the air;
-| See, the bents are white with rime;
-| All the sheep are in the fold;
-| All the cattle in the byre;
-| Only we, of live things, roam
-| O'er the fells so far from home;
-| E'en the red fox in his lair
-| Snuggles close to keep him warm;
-| And the lonely, wandering hare
-| Crouches, shivering, in her form;
-| While by Greenlea's frozen edge
-| Hides the mallard in the sedge.
-| Son, come home; the ingle-seat
-| Waits thee by the glowing peat,
-| And the door is off the latch.
-| Come, and we will feast and sing,
-| As of old at Christmas time,
-| Until thou wilt drowse and nod
-| And with slumber-drooping head
-| Gladly seek thy bracken-bed
-| Underneath the heather-thatch;
-| Where the healing sleep will bring
-| Unto thee the peace of God.
-| Son, come home! Whom seekest thou there?
-
-| HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere!
-
-| MOTHER: Cry no more on Guenevere.
-| Some wild warlock of the fells,
-| Born beneath the Devil's Scars,
-| Lures thee forth to drown thy soul
-| Deep in Broomlea-water cold.
-| Guenevere no longer dwells
-| Anywhere beneath the stars;
-| Though she walked these Crags of old,
-| Many hundred years ago,
-| Into earth she sank like snow;
-| As a sunset-cloud in rain
-| Breaks, and showers the thirsty plain,
-| All the glory of her hair
-| Fell to earth, we know not where.
-| Leave thy foolish quest forlorn.
-| Lo, to-night a King is born,
-| Who, when earthly kings at last
-| Into wildering night are passed,
-| Yet shall wear the crown of morn.
-
-| Mary, Thou whose love may turn
-| Eyes that after evil burn,
-| Draw his soul, that strays so far,
-| To Thy Son's white throning-star.
-| Queen of Heaven, hear my prayer!
-
-| HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere!
-
-| MOTHER: Low she lies, and may not hear.
-| The white lily, Guenevere,
-| Ruthless time has trodden down;
-| Arthur is a tarnished crown,
-| High Gawain a broken spear,
-| Percival a riven shield;
-| They, who taught the world to yield,
-| Closed with death and lost the field,
-| Stricken by the last despair:
-| Launcelot is but a name
-| Blown about the winds of shame;
-| Surely God has quenched the flame
-| That burned men's souls for Guenevere.
-
-| Mary, heed a mother's woe;
-| Mary, heed a mother's tears!
-| Thou, whose heart so long ago
-| Knew the pangs and hopes and fears
-| We poor mortal mothers know;
-| Thou, to whom, on Christmas-morn,
-| Christ, the Son of God, was born;
-| Thou whose mother-love hath pressed
-| The sweet Babe against thy breast;
-| And with wondering joy hath felt
-| The warm clutch of little hands,
-| When the Kings from far-off lands--
-| Crowned with gold, in gold attire--
-| With the simple shepherds knelt
-| 'Mid the beasts within the byre;
-| Mary, if Thy heart, afraid,
-| When beyond Thy care he strayed,
-| Sometimes grieved that he must grow
-| Unlike other boys and men--
-| Filled with dreams beyond Thy ken,
-| Anguished with diviner woe,
-| Pangs more fiery than Thy pain,
-| Deeper than Thy dark despair--
-| From the perils of the night
-| Give me back my son again.
-| Thou, whose love may never fail,
-| Heed a lonely mother's prayer!
-| Come in all Thy healing might!
-
-*A sudden glory sweeps across the Fells. The vision
-appears in a cleft of the Crags. The herd and
-his mother kneel before it.*
-
-| MOTHER: Mary, Queen of Heaven, hail!
-
-| HERD (*falling forward*): Guenevere! Guenevere!
-
-
-
-
-
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-.. _`THE THREE KINGS`:
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-
- THE THREE KINGS.
-
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-
- To C. J. S.
-
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-
- The Three Kings
-
-| PERSONS: KING GARLAND, KING ARLO, KING ASHALORN.
-
-| SEA-VOICES, WAVE-VOICES, AND WIND-VOICES.
-
-| SCENE: *A rock in the midst of the North Sea,*
-| *whereon the three kings, bound naked by conquering*
-| *sea-rovers, have been left to perish.*
-
-| VOICE OF THE DAWN-WIND: Awaken, O sea, from thy starry dream;
-| Awaken, awaken!
-| For delight of thy slumber not one pale gleam
-| From dim star-clusters remaineth unshaken.
-| All night I have haunted the valleys and rivers;
-| Now hither I come--
-| Ere, quickened with sunlight, the drowsy east quivers--
-| To waken thy song, night-bewildered and dumb;
-| To stir thy grey waters, of starlight forsaken,
-| To loosen white foam in the red of the dawn.
-
-| WAVE-VOICES: The sound of thy voice
-| Has broken our sleep;
-| All night we have waited thee, herald of light.
-| We arise, we rejoice
-| At thy bidding to leap,
-| And spray with our laughter the trail of the night.
-| All night we have waited thee, weary of stars--
-| The little star-dreams, and the sleep without song;
-| The deep-brooding slumber of silence that holds
-| Our melody mute in the uttermost deep.
-| O Wind of the Dawn, we have waited thee long;
-| The sound of thy voice
-| Has broken our sleep;
-| We arise, we rejoice
-| At thy bidding to leap,
-| With a tumult of singing, a rapture of spray,
-| To scatter our joy in the path of the day.
-
-| GARLAND: Day comes at last, beyond the sea's grey rim;
-| The young sun leaps in sudden might of gold.
-
-| ASHALORN: Before his fire our lives will smoulder dim;
-| Like stars we shine, we fade; the tale is told,
-| And all our empty splendour put to scorn;
-| Fate leaves us, who were clothed in pride, forlorn,
-| To perish, naked, in this lonely sea.
-| But yesterday we ruled as kings of earth;
-| Frail men to-day; to-morrow, who shall be?
-
-| ARLO: But yesterday my cup of life was filled
-| To overflowing with the wine of mirth--
-| The plashing joy from fruitful years distilled.
-
-| GARLAND: But yesterday my kinghood sprang to birth;
-| My fingers scarce had grasped the might new-born,
-| When from my clutch the glittering pomp was torn.
-
-| SEA-VOICES: They slumber, they slumber, the kings in their pride.
-| The beak of the Rover is dipt in the tide;
-| The sails of the Rover are red in the wind;
-| And white is the trail of the foam flung behind.
-| They have fallen, have fallen, the kings in their pride;
-| Their sea-gates are forced by the rush of the tide;
-| Their splendour is scattered as surf on the wind;
-| And red is the trail of the terror behind.
-
-| Forsaken, forlorn,
-| On a rock of the sea,
-| In anguish they bow,
-| And wait for the night and the darkness to be;
-| Oh, bright was the gold in their hair;
-| The sea-weed, in scorn,
-| Is twined in it now;
-| Oh, rich was their raiment and rare,
-| Blue, purple, and gold,
-| In fold upon fold;
-| Of glory and majesty shorn,
-| They are clothed with the wind of despair.
-
-| GARLAND: Lo, the live waters run to greet the day:
-| Even so I laughed to see the soaring light;
-| My life was poised like yonder curving wave
-| To break in such bright revel of keen spray.
-
-| ARLO: I counted not the years that took their flight,
-| Gold-crowned and singing; every hour I stood,
-| As one enchanted in an April wood,
-| In some new paradise of scent and flowers.
-| I counted not the countless, careless hours,
-| The days of rapture and the nights of peace.
-| How should I dream that such delight could pass,
-| Such colour fade, such flowing numbers cease,
-| My glory perish where was none to save,
-| And all my strength be trodden in the grass?
-
-| ASHALORN: Oh, blest art thou who diest in thy youth;
-| Oh, blest art thou who failest in thy prime;
-| While yet thine eyes are full of wondering truth;
-| Ere yet thy feet have found the ways of thorn.
-| Too long I wandered down the vale of time,
-| A lonely wind, all songless and forlorn;
-| For I have found the empty heart of things,
-| The secret sorrow of the summer rose,
-| And all the sadness of the April green;
-| I know that every happy stream that springs
-| Into a sea of bitter memories flows;
-| I know the curse that God has set on kings--
-| The solitary splendour and the crown
-| Of desolation, and the prisoning state;
-| The heart that yearns beneath the robe of gold,
-| The soul that starves behind the golden gate.
-| I know how chance has reared our earthly thrones
-| Upon a shifting wrack of whitened bones,
-| Of heroes fallen in the wars of old--
-| By wind upbuilded and by wind cast down.
-
-| SEA-VOICES: As foam on the edge of the waters of night,
-| They flicker and fall;
-| More brief than delight,
-| More frail than their tears,
-| They flicker and fall
-| In the tide of the years;
-| Awhile they may triumph, as lords of the earth,
-| With feasting and mirth,
-| Yet the winds and the waters shall sweep over all.
-
-| VOICE OF THE WEST WIND: O wide-shifting wonder of sapphire and gold,
-| O wandering glory of emerald and white,
-| From the purple and green of the moorlands I come,
-| To sweep o'er thy waters with turbulent flight,
-| To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might;
-| I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam,
-| With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray;
-| To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold,
-| I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away.
-
-| I have drunk the red wine of the heather, and swept
-| Over moorland and fell, for mile upon mile.
-| The little blue loughs were merry, and leapt,
-| With a shaking of laughter, in dim, dreaming hollows;
-| The little blue loughs were merry, and flung
-| Their spray on my wings as above them I swung;
-| I laughed to their laughter, and dallied awhile;
-| Then left them to sink in the silence that follows.
-
-| In the forest I stirred, like the chant of thy tides,
-| The song of the boughs and the branches a-swinging;
-| The ashes and beeches and oak-trees were singing,
-| Like the noise of thy waters when dark tempest rides.
-| I swung on the crest of the pine-trees a-swaying,
-| As now on thy green, flowing surges, O sea;
-| I piped in my triumph, they danced to my playing;
-| I left them a-murmur, to hasten to thee.
-
-| The white clouds were driven like ships through the air,
-| And grey flowed the shadows o'er sea-coloured bent,
-| And dark on the heathland, and dark on the wold:
-| But here on thy waters, where all things grow fair,
-| They shadow with purple thine emerald and gold.
-| My revel unbroken, my rapture unspent,
-| To thy far-shining wonder, O sea, I have come,
-| To sweep o'er thy splendour with turbulent flight;
-| To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might;
-| I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam,
-| With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray;
-| To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold,
-| I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away.
-
-| GARLAND: There is no sadness in the world but death.
-| The years that whitened o'er thy head have taken
-| The colour from thy life, but still in me
-| The blood beats young and red; yea, still my breath
-| Is full of freshness as the wind that blows
-| Across the morning-fells when night has shaken
-| His cooling dews among the wakening heath.
-| Yea, now the wind that lashes o'er the sea
-| Stings all my quivering body to keen life
-| And whips the blood into my straining limbs;
-| And all the youth within me springs to fire;
-| I am consumed with ravening desire
-| For one brief, wild, delirious hour of strife;
-| I yearn for every joy that flies or swims,
-| Rides on the wind or with the water flows.
-| Yet I must die by patient, slow degrees,
-| With hourly wasting flesh and parching blood;
-| Ah God, that I might leap into the flood,
-| And perish struggling in the adventurous seas!
-
-| ARLO: My mouth is filled with saltness, and I thirst
-| For forest-pools that bubble in the shade,
-| When loud the hot chase pants through every glade,
-| And fleeing fawns from every thicket burst;
-| Or clear wine vintaged when the world was young,
-| Gurgling from deep-mouthed jars of coloured stone.
-
-| ASHALORN: The noonday burns my body to the bone,
-| And sets a coal of fire upon my tongue,
-| Between my lips, and stifles all my breath.
-| Oh come, thou only joy undying, death!
-
-| WAVE-VOICES: O wind, that failing, failing, failing, dies,
-| Beneath the heat of August-laden skies,
-| Sinking in sleep, sinking in quiet sleep--
-| Thy blue wings folded o'er our dreaming deep
-
-| We too are weary, weary in the noon;
-| We too will fall in shining slumber soon--
-| Foamless and still, foamless and very still,
-| Unstirred, unshaken by thy restless will.
-
-| Yet there are eyes that cannot, cannot close,
-| And strong souls racked by fiery, rending woes--
-| Never to rest, never to gather rest
-| By any stream of murmuring waters blest.
-
-| But slumber falling, falling, on us lies,
-| Silent and deep, beneath noon-laden skies,
-| Silent and deep, silent and very deep,
-| With blue wings folded o'er our dreaming sleep.
-
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- \* \* \* \* \*
-
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-
-| VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: I have shaken the noon
-| from my wings, I arise
-| To quicken the flame in the western skies--
-| To blow the clouds to a streaming flame,
-| Where the red sun sinks in the opal sea,
-| And red as the heart of the opal glows
-| His last wild gleam in the waters grey.
-| O grey-green waters, curling to rose,
-| The kings are glad of the dying day;
-| The kings are weary; the white mists close--
-| The white mists gather to cover their shame.
-
-| ASHALORN: The evening mist is dank upon my brow,
-| And cold upon my lips--yea, cold as death;
-| Yet, through the gloom, she gazes on me now,
-| As in our early-wedded days; her breath
-| Is warm once more upon my withered cheek.
-| O gaunt, grey lips, that strive but may not speak;
-| O cold, grey eyes, that flicker in the gloam--
-| Long have we strayed; come, let us wander home!
-
-| ARLO: Like lit September woodlands, streameth down
-| Her hair, beneath the circle of her crown;
-| Of rarer, redder glory than the cold
-| Dead metal that for ever strives to hold
-| The ever-straying wonder of live gold!
-| Like woodland pools, her eyes, a dreaming brown--
-| Like woodland pools where autumn-splendours drown!
-| O red-gold tresses, shaking in the gloam,
-| Unto your light, unto your shade I come!
-
-| GARLAND: Her eyes are azure as the wind-blown sea,
-| With deep sea-shadowings of grey and green;
-| And like an April storm her shining hair--
-| Yea, all the glittering Aprils that have been,
-| And all the wondering Aprils yet to be,
-| Have stored their wealth of shower and sunshine there;
-| Yea, all the thousand, thousand springs of earth
-| New-lit and re-awakened at her birth,
-| In her sweet body glow and glimmer fair.
-| O wonder of sea-colours and white foam
-| And April glories, to thine arms I come!
-
-| VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: The sun is gone,
-| and the last, red flame
-| Has faded away in a shimmer of rose--
-| A shimmer of rose that shivers to grey.
-| The kings are glad of the dying day--
-| The kings are weary; the white mists close,
-| The white mists gather to cover their shame.
-
-
-
-
-
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-.. _`THE SONGS OF QUEEN AVERLAINE`:
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-
- THE SONGS OF QUEEN AVERLAINE.
-
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-
- To M. B.
-
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-
-| PERSONS: THE KING,
-| QUEEN AVERLAINE,
-| THE KNIGHT ARKELD.
-
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-
- I\.
- KING AND QUEEN.
-
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-
- 1\.
-
-| The day has come; at last my dream unfolds
-| White, wondering petals with the rising sun.
-| No other glade in Love's world-garden holds
-| So fair a bloom from vanquished winter won.
-
-| Long, oh, so long I watched through budding hours,
-| And, trembling, feared my dream would never wake;
-| As, one by one, I saw star-tranced flowers
-| Out on the night their dewy splendour shake.
-
-| But with the earliest gleam of dawn it stirred,
-| Knowing that Love had put the dark to flight;
-| And I must sing more glad than any bird
-| Because the sun has filled my dream with light.
-
-
-
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-
- 2\.
-
-| Is it high noon, already, in the land?
-| O Love, I dreamed that morn could never pass;
-| That we might ever wander, hand in hand,
-| As children in June-meadows plucking flowers,
-| Through ever-waking, fresh-unfolding hours:
-| Yet now we sink love-wearied in the grass;
-| Yea, it is noon, high noon in all the land.
-
-| The young wind slumbers; all the little birds
-| That sang about us in the fields of morn
-| Are songless now; no happy flight of words
-| On Love's lip hovers--Love has waxed to noon.
-| Ah, God, if Love should wane to evening soon
-| To perish in a sunless world, forlorn,
-| And cease with the last song of weary birds!
-
-
-
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-
- 3\.
-
-| At dawn I gathered flowers of white,
-| To garland them for your delight.
-
-| At noon I gathered flowers of blue,
-| To weave them into joy for you.
-
-| At eve I gather purple flowers,
-| To strew above the withered hours.
-
-
-
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-
- 4\.
-
-| She knelt at eve beside the stream,
-| And, sighing, sang: "O waters clear,
-| Forsaken now of joy and fear,
-| I come to drown a withered dream.
-
-| "Unseen of day, I let it fall
-| Within the shadow of my hair.
-| O little dream, that bloomed so fair,
-| The waters hide you after all!"
-
-
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-
- 5\.
-
-| "Is it not dawn?" she cried, and raised her head,
-| "Or hath the sun, grey-shrouded, yesternight,
-| Gone down with Love for ever to the dead?
-| When Love has perished, can there yet be light?"
-
-| "Yea, it is dawn," one answered: "see the dew
-| Quivers agleam, and all the east is white;
-| While in the willow song begins anew."
-| "When Love has perished, can there yet be light?"
-
-
-
-
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-
- II\.
- AVERLAINE AND ARKELD.
-
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-
- 1\.
-
-| ARKELD: Oh, why did you lift your eyes to mine?
-| Oh, why did you lift your drooping head?
-
-| AVERLAINE: The tangled threads of the fates entwine
-| Our hearts that follow as children led.
-
-| ARKELD: From the utmost ends of the earth we came,
-| As star moves starward through wildering night.
-
-| AVERLAINE: Our souls have mingled as flame with flame,
-| Yea, they have mingled as light with light.
-
-| ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!
-
-| AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!
-
-| ARKELD: The stars in their courses move through the sky
-| Unswerving, unheeding, cold and blind.
-
-| AVERLAINE: Why did you linger nor pass me by
-| Where the cross-roads meet in the ways that wind?
-
-| ARKELD: I saw your eyes from the dusk of your hair
-| Flame out with sorrow and yearning love.
-
-| AVERLAINE: And I, who wandered with grey despair,
-| Looking up, saw heaven in blossom above.
-
-| ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!
-
-| AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!
-
-| ARKELD: May we not go as we came, alone,
-| Unto the ends of the earth anew?
-
-| AVERLAINE: May we draw afresh from the rose new-blown
-| The golden sunlight, the crystal dew?
-
-| ARKELD: Yea, love between us has bloomed as a rose
-| Out of the desert under our feet.
-
-| AVERLAINE: May we forget how the red heart glows,
-| Forget that the dew on the petals is sweet?
-
-| ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!
-
-| AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between!
-
-| ARKELD: Have the ages brought us together that we
-| Might tremble, start at shadows, and cry?
-
-| AVERLAINE: Yea, it has been, and ever will be
-| Till Sorrow be slain or Love's self die.
-
-| ARKELD: Stronger than Sorrow is Love; and Hate,
-| The brother of Love, shall end our Sorrow.
-
-| AVERLAINE: The Shadow is strong with the strength of Fate,
-| And, slain, would rise from the grave to-morrow.
-
-| ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been!
-
-| AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow for ever between!
-
-
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-
- 2\.
-
-| AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and tear with ruthless hands
-| The golden web wherein, too late, Love strove
-| To weave us joy and bind us heart to heart.
-
-| ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and strew on desert-sands
-| Petal by petal all the rose of Love,
-| And part for ever where the cross-ways part.
-
-| AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and never turn our eyes
-| From strange horizons, desolate and far,
-| Though Love cry ever: "Turn but once, sad heart!"
-
-| ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and under alien skies
-| Must follow after some cold, gleaming star,
-| And roam, as north and south winds roam, apart.
-
-| AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, ere Love be grown too strong
-| And we too helpless to resist his might;
-| While each may go with pure, unshamed heart.
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-| ARKELD: Yea, we must part; and though we do Love wrong,
-| He will the more subdue us in our flight,
-| And hold us each more surely his, apart.
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- III\.
- QUEEN AVERLAINE.
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- 1\.
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-| O love, I bade you go; and you have borne
-| The summer with you from the valley-lands;
-| The poppy-flame has perished from the corn;
-| And in the chill, wan light of early morn
-| The reapers come in doleful, starveling bands,
-| To bind the blackened sheaves with listless hands;
-| For rain has put their sowing-toil to scorn.
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-| O Love, I bade you go; and autumn brings
-| Bleak desolation; yet within my heart
-| Unquenched and fierce the flame you kindled springs;
-| For, echoing all day long, the courtyard rings
-| As loud it rang when, rending Love apart,
-| Your white horse cantered--swift and keen to start--
-| Into a world of other queens and kings.
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- 2\.
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-| I bade you go; ah, wherefore are you gone?
-| How could you leave me dark and desolate,
-| O Sun of Love, that for brief summer shone?
-| Mine eyes are ever on the western gate,
-| Half-wishing, half-foredreading your return.
-| Return, O Love, return!
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-| I cannot live without you; through the dark
-| I stretch blind hands to you across the world;
-| All day on unknown battle-fields I mark
-| Your sword's red course, your banner blue unfurled;
-| Yet never, in my day-dreams, you return.
-| Return, O Love, return!
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-| Nay, you are gone: O Love, I bade you go.
-| I would not have you come again to be
-| A stranger in this house of silent woe,
-| Where, being all, you would be naught to me.
-| Mine, mine in dreams, but lost if you return;
-| Oh, nevermore return!
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- 3\.
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-| "To-day a wandering harper came
-| With outland tales of deeds of fame;
-| I hearkened from the noonday bright
-| Until the failing of the light,
-| The while he sang of joust and fight;
-| Yet never once I caught your name.
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-| Oh, whither, whither are you gone,
-| Whose name victorious ever shone
-| Above all knights of other lands?
-| Across what wilderness of sands?
-| By what dead sea-deserted strands?
-| On what far quest of Love forlorn?
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-| I loved you when men called you Lord
-| Arkeld, the never-sleeping sword;
-| Yet now, when all your might is furled,
-| And you no longer crest the world,
-| More are you mine than when you hurled
-| Destruction on the embattled horde.
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- 4\.
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-| Oh, deeper in the silent house
-| The silence falls;
-| Only the stir of bat or mouse
-| About the walls.
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-| No cry, no voice in any room,
-| No gust of breath;
-| As if, within the clutch of doom,
-| We waited death.
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- 5\.
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-| The King is dead;
-| No longer now
-| The cold eyes gleam
-| Beneath his brow.
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-| O cold, grey eyes,
-| Wherein the light
-| Of Love at dawn
-| Seemed clear and bright,
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-| No true Love burned
-| Your cold desire,
-| Which mirrored but
-| My own heart's fire.
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- 6\.
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-| The King died yesterday.... Ah, no, he died
-| When young Love perished long, so long ago;
-| And on his throne, as marble at my side,
-| Has reigned a carven image, cold as snow,
-| Though all men bowed before it, crying: "King!"
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-| Too late, too late the chains which held me fall;
-| Rock-bound, I bade the victor-knight go by;
-| And now, when time has loosed me from the thrall,
-| I know not where he tarries, 'neath what sky
-| He waits the winter's end, the dawn of spring.
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- 7\.
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-| Spring comes no more for me: though young March blow
-| To flame the larches, and from tree to tree
-| The green fire leap, till all the woodlands glow--
-| Though every runnel, filled to overflow,
-| Bear sea-ward, loud and brown with melted snow,
-| Spring comes no more for me!
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-| Spring comes no more for me: though April light
-| The flame of gorse above the peacock sea;
-| Though in an interweaving mesh of white
-| The seagulls hover 'neath the cliff's sheer height;
-| Though, hour by hour, new joys are winged for flight,
-| Spring comes no more for me!
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-| Spring comes no more for me: though May will shake
-| White flame of hawthorn over all the lea,
-| Till every thick-set hedge and tangled brake
-| Puts on fresh flower of beauty for her sake;
-| Though all the world from winter-sleep awake,
-| Spring comes no more for me!
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- 8\.
-
-| I wandered through the city till I came
-| Within the vast cathedral, cool and dim;
-| I looked upon the windows all aflame
-| With blazoned knights and saints and seraphim.
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-| I looked on kings in purple, gold and blue,
-| On martyrs high before whom all men bow;
-| Until a gleam of light my footsteps drew
-| Before a shining seraph, on whose brow
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-| A little flame, for ever pure and white,
-| Unwavering burns--the symbol of our love;
-| And as I knelt before him in the night,
-| He looked, compassionate, on me from above.
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- 9\.
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-| I heard a harper 'neath the castle walls
-| Sing, for night-shelter in the house of thralls,
-| A song of hapless lovers; in the shade
-| I paused awhile, unseen of man or maid.
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-| Taking his harp, he touched the moaning strings,
-| And sang of queens unloved and loveless kings;
-| His song shot through my fluttering heart like flame
-| Till, wondering, I heard him breathe your name.
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-| Oh, then I knew how all the deathless wrong
-| Time wrought of old is but a harper's song;
-| And all the hopeless sorrow of long years
-| An idle tale to win a stranger's tears.
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-| Yea, in the song of Love's immortal dead
-| Our love was told; with shuddering heart I fled,
-| And strove to pass upon my way unseen,
-| But song was hushed with whispers: "Lo, the Queen!"
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- 10\.
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-| Was it for this we loved, O Time, to be
-| Among Love's deathless through eternity,
-| Set high on lone, divided peaks above
-| The sheltered summer-valley, broad and green?
-| Was it for this our joy and grief have been,
-| Our barren day-dreams, dream-deserted nights--
-| That valley-lovers, looking up, might see
-| How vain is Love among the starry heights,
-| And, loving, sigh: "How vain a thing is Love!"?
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-| O Love, that we had found thee in the shade
-| Where, all day long, the deep, leaf-hidden glade
-| Hears but the moan of some forsaken dove,
-| Or the clear song of happy, nameless streams;
-| Where, all night long, the August moonlight gleams
-| Through warm, green dusk, no longer cold and white!
-| O Love, that we had found thee, unafraid,
-| One summer morn, and followed thee till night,
-| As unknown valley-lovers follow Love!
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- 11\.
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-| I have grown old, awaiting spring's return,
-| And, now spring comes, I stand like winter grey
-| In a young world; yet warm within me burn
-| The morning-fires Love kindled in youth's day.
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-| I have grown old; the young folk look on me
-| With sighs, and wonder that I once was fair,
-| And whisper one another: "Is this she?
-| Did summer ever light that winter hair?
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-| "Ah, she is old; yet, she, too, once was young:
-| Yea, loved as we love even, for men tell
-| How bright her beauty burned on every tongue,
-| And how a knightly stranger loved her well.
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-| "Yet Love grows old that beats so young and warm;
-| His leaping fires in dust and ashes fail;
-| Shall we, too, wither in the winter-storm,
-| And wander thus one April, old and frail?"
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-| Love grows not old, O lovers, though youth die,
-| And bodily beauty perish as the flower;
-| Though all things fail, though spring and summer fly,
-| Love's fire burns quenchless till the last dark hour.
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- 12\.
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-| O valley-lovers, think you love,
-| Being all of joy, knows naught of sorrow?
-| A day, a night
-| Of swift delight
-| That fears no dread, grey-dawning morrow?
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-| O valley-lovers, think you love
-| Knows only laughter, naught of weeping?
-| A rose-red fire
-| Of warm desire
-| For ever burning, never sleeping?
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-| O lovers, little know ye Love.
-| Love is a flame that feeds on sorrow--
-| A lone star bright
-| Through endless night
-| That waits a never-dawning morrow.
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- 13\.
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-| "Thus would I sing of life,
-| Ere I must yield my breath:
-| Though broken in the strife,
-| I sought not after death.
-| Though ruthless years have scourged
-| My soul with sorrow's brands,
-| And, day by day, have urged
-| My feet o'er desert-sands;
-| Yet would I rather tread
-| Again the bitter trail,
-| Than lie, calm-browed and pale,
-| Among the loveless dead.
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-| No pang would I forego,
-| No stab of suffering,
-| No agony of woe,
-| If I to life might cling;
-| If I might follow still,
-| For evermore, afar,
-| O'er barren dale and hill,
-| My Love's unfading star.
-| Yea, now, with failing breath,
-| Thus would I sing of life:
-| Though broken in the strife,
-| I sought not after death.
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- 14\.
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-| Darkness has come upon me in the end;
-| Darkness has come upon me like a friend,
-| Yet undesired; why comest thou, O night,
-| To seal mine eyes for ever from the light?
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-| Darkness has come upon me; yet a star
-| Burns through the night and beckons me from far.
-| Look up, O eyes, unfaltering, without fear;
-| O morning-star of Love, the dawn is near!
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-.. _`THE GOLDEN HELM`:
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- THE GOLDEN HELM.
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- The Golden Helm
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- I\.
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-| Across his stripling shoulders Geoffrey felt
-| The knighting-sword fall lightly, and he heard
-| The King's voice bid him rise; and at the word
-| He rose, new-flushed with knighthood, swiftly grown
-| To sudden manhood, though, but now, he knelt
-| A vigil-wearied squire before the throne.
-| He paused one moment while the people turned
-| To look on him with eyes that kindled bright,
-| Seeing his face aglow with strange, new light;
-| Yet them he saw not where they watched amazed,
-| And, though like azure flames Queen Hild's eyes burned,
-| Beyond the shadow of the throne he gazed
-| To where, in kindred rapture, young Christine
-| Stood, tremulous and white, in wind-flower grace--
-| Beneath her thick, dark hair, her happy face
-| Pale-gleaming 'midst the ruddy maiden-throng;
-| But, following Geoffrey's eyes, the trembling Queen
-| Now bade the harpers rouse the air with song:
-| From pulsing throat and silver-throbbing string
-| The music soared, light-winged, and, fluttering, fell;
-| When, startled as one waking from a spell,
-| Geoffrey stepped back among the waiting knights;
-| While knelt another squire before the King.
-| In Queen Hild's eyes yet hovered stormy lights,
-| Beneath her glooming brows, as waters gleam
-| Under snow-laden skies; the summer day
-| For her in that brief glance had shivered grey,
-| Empty of light and song. She only heard
-| The King and knights as people of a dream;
-| Yet keenly Geoffrey's lightest, laughing word
-| Stung to the quick, and stabbed her quivering life,
-| Till from each shuddering wound the red joy flowed;
-| And, though a ruddy fire on each cheek glowed,
-| She felt her drainèd heart within her cold;
-| Then all at once a hot thought stirred new strife
-| Within her breast, and suddenly grown old
-| And wise in treacherous imagining,
-| She pressed her thin lips to a bitter smile,
-| And strove with laughing mask to hide the guile
-| That, slowly welling, through her body poured
-| Cold-blooded life that feels no arrowy sting
-| Of joy or hope, nor thrust of pity's sword.
-| To Christine, where she yet enraptured stood,
-| Hild, turning, spake kind words, and coldly praised
-| The new-made knight. Each word Christine amazed
-| Drank in with joyous heart and eager ears;
-| To her it seemed ne'er lived a Queen so good;
-| And love's swift rapture filled her eyes with tears.
-| For her true heart, the day-long pageant moved
-| Round Geoffrey's shining presence; king and knight
-| But shone for her with pale, reflected light.
-| As trancèd planets circling round the sun,
-| About the radiant head of her beloved
-| The dim throngs moved until the day was done.
-| When lucent gold suffused the cloudless west,
-| And lingering thrush-notes failed in drowsy song,
-| She left, at last, the weary maiden-throng,
-| To stray alone through dew-hung garden-glades;
-| And all the love unsealed within her breast
-| Flowed out from her to light the darkest shades.
-| Her quivering maiden-body could not hold
-| The sudden welling of love's loosened flood;
-| Through all her limbs it gushed, and in her blood
-| It stormed each throbbing pulse with blissful ache;
-| It seemed to spray the utmost glooms with gold,
-| And scatter glistening dews in every brake.
-| While yet she moved in rapture unafraid
-| Among the lilies, down the Grey Nun's Walk,
-| She heard behind the snapping of a stalk,
-| And stayed transfixed, nor dared to turn her head,
-| But stood a solitary, trembling maid--
-| Forlorn and frail, with all her courage fled.
-| Thus Geoffrey found her as, hot-foot, he pressed
-| To pour about her all the glowing tide
-| Day-pent within his heart; the flood-gates wide,
-| His love swept over her, sea after sea,
-| Until life almost swooned within her breast,
-| And she seemed like to drown in ecstasy.
-| Yet, as the tempest sank in calm at last,
-| She rose from out the foam of love, new-born--
-| As Venus from the irised surf of morn--
-| To such triumphant beauty, Geoffrey, thralled,
-| Before her stood in wonder rooted fast;
-| Even his love within him bowed appalled
-| In tongueless worship as he gazed on her;
-| While, lily-like, the trancèd flowers among,
-| She stood, love-radiant, and above her hung
-| The canopy of star-enkindling night;
-| Though, when again she moved with joyous stir,
-| He sprang to her in love's unchallenged might.
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- II\.
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-| All night, beside her slumbering lord, the Queen
-| Tossed sleepless--every aching sense astrain
-| With tingling wakefulness that racked like pain
-| Her weary limbs; all night, in wide-eyed dread,
-| She watched the slow hours moving dark between
-| The glimmering window and the curtained bed.
-| The fitful calling of the owl, all night,
-| Struck like the voice of terror on her ears;
-| With brushing wings, about her taloned fears
-| Fluttered till dawn: when, as the summer gloom,
-| Grey-quivering, spilt in silver-showering light,
-| She rose and stood within the dawning room,
-| Shivering and pale--her long, unbraided hair
-| Each moment quickening to a livelier gold
-| About her snowy shoulders; yet, more cold
-| Than the still gleam of winter-frozen meres,
-| Her blue eyes shone with strange, unseeing stare,
-| As though they sought to pierce some mist of fears;
-| And, when she turned, the old familiar things
-| Unknown and alien seemed to her sight--
-| Outworn and faded in the morning light
-| The rose-embroidered tapestries, and frail
-| The painted Love that hung on irised wings
-| Above the sleeping King. Dark-browed and pale
-| She looked upon her lord, and fresh despair
-| With dreadful calm through all her being stole,
-| And froze with icy breath the flickering soul
-| That strove within her. Evil courage steeled
-| Her heart once more, as, combing back her hair,
-| She watched the waking world of wood and field:
-| Hay-harvesters with long scythes flashing white;
-| The dewy-browsing deer; the blue smoke-curl
-| Above some woodland hut; a kerchiefed girl
-| Driving the kine afield with loitering pace.
-| But, as a youthful rider came in sight,
-| She from the casement turned with darkening face,
-| And looked not out again, and fiercely pressed
-| Her white teeth in her quivering underlip,
-| To stifle the wild cry that strove to slip
-| From her strained throat; with clutching hands she sought
-| To stay the throbbing tumult of her breast
-| That fluttered like a bird in meshes caught.
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-| Christine as yet in dreamless slumber lay
-| Within her turret-chamber; but a bird
-| Within the laurel singing softly stirred
-| Her eyes to wakeful life, and from her bed
-| She rose and stood within the light of day,
-| White-faced and wondering, with lifted head.
-| As April-butterflies, new-winged for flight,
-| That poise awhile in quivering amaze,
-| Ere they may dare the unknown, glittering ways
-| Of perilous airs--upon the brink of morn
-| She paused one moment in the showering light,
-| In radiant ecstasy of youth forlorn.
-| Then swift remembrance flushed her virgin snow,
-| And wakened in her eyes the living fire;
-| With joyous haste she drew her bright attire
-| About her trembling limbs, with eager hands,
-| Veiling her maiden beauty's morning glow,
-| Before she looked abroad on meadowlands,
-| Where Geoffrey rode at dawn. Across the blaze
-| Of dandelions silvering to seed,
-| She saw his white horse swing with easy speed;
-| He rode with head exultant in the breeze
-| That lifted his brown hair. With lingering gaze
-| She watched him vanish down an aisle of trees;
-| Then, swiftly gathering her dark hair in braids
-| Above her slender neck, she crossed the floor
-| With noiseless step, unlatched the creaking door,
-| And stole in trembling silence down the stair,
-| Intent to reach the garden ere the maids
-| Should come with chattering tongues and laughter there;
-| When by her side she heard a rustling stir:
-| The arras parted, and before her stood
-| Queen Hild in proud, imperious womanhood,
-| Looking upon her with cold, smiling eyes.
-| In startled wonder Christine glanced at her.
-| Then spake the Queen: "Do maids thus early rise
-| To tend their household duties, or to feed
-| The doves, relinquishing sleep's precious hours
-| To see the morning dew upon the flowers
-| And what frail blooms have perished 'neath the moon?
-| To reach the Grey Nun's Walk, mayhap you speed--
-| To count the stricken buds of lilies strewn
-| O'ernight upon the soil by careless feet
-| That wandered there so late? Yea, now I know,
-| Christine, because you flush and tremble so.
-| Yet look you not on me with eyes that burn;
-| I would not stay you when you go to greet
-| The rider of the dawn on his return.
-| Think you I leave my bed at break of day--
-| I, Hild the Queen--to thwart a lover's kiss?
-| Think you my love of you could stoop to this,
-| Though you would wed a fledgling, deedless Knight?
-| Nay, shrink you not from me, turn not away;
-| Because my heart has never known love's light,
-| I fain would hear your happy tale of love,
-| That I may prosper you and your fair youth.
-| Will you not trust me?" Blind with love's glad truth,
-| Christine sank down within Hild's outstretched arms.
-| Speechless, awhile, with sobbing breath she strove;
-| Then poured out all the tale of love's alarms,
-| Raptures, despairs, and deathless ecstasies,
-| In one quick torrent from her brimming heart;
-| Then, quaking, ceased, and drew herself apart,
-| Dismayed that she so easily had revealed
-| To this white, cold-eyed Queen love's sanctities.
-| Yet Hild moved not, but stood, with hard lips sealed,
-| Until, the chiming of the turret-bell
-| Recalling her, she spake with far-off voice:
-| "I, loveless, in your innocent love rejoice.
-| May nothing stem its eager raptured course!
-| Oh, that my barren heart could love so well,
-| And feel the surge of love's subduing force!
-| Yet even I from out my dearth may give
-| To you, Christine. Would you that Geoffrey's name
-| Shall shine, unchallenged, on the lists of fame?
-| If you would have him win for you the crown
-| Of knightly immortality, and live
-| Triumphant on men's tongues in high renown,
-| Follow me now." With cold, exulting eyes
-| She raised the arras, opening to the light
-| An unknown stair-way clambering into night.
-| Within the caverned wall she swiftly passed.
-| Christine for one brief moment in surprise
-| Uncertain paused; then, wondering, followed fast.
-| The falling arras shutting out the day,
-| She stumbled blindly through the soaring gloom--
-| Enclosing dank and chilly as the tomb
-| Her panting life; and unto her it seemed
-| That ever, as she climbed, more sheer the way
-| Before her rose, and ever fainter gleamed
-| The wan, white star of light that overhead
-| Hovered remote. Far up the stair she heard
-| A silken rustling as, without a word,
-| Relentlessly Queen Hild before her sped
-| For ever up the ever-soaring steep.
-| But when it almost seemed that she must fall--
-| So loudly in her ears the pulses beat,
-| And each step seemed to sink beneath her feet--
-| She heard the shrilly grating of a key,
-| And saw, above her, in the unseen wall,
-| A dazzling square of day break suddenly.
-| Within the lighted doorway Queen Hild turned
-| To reach a helping hand, and, as she bent
-| To clutch the swooning maiden, well-nigh spent,
-| And drew her to the chamber, weak and faint,
-| Through her gold hair so rare a lustre burned,
-| It seemed to Christine that an aureoled saint
-| Leaned out from heaven to snatch her from the deep.
-| Then, dizzily, she sank upon the floor,
-| Dreaming that toil was over evermore,
-| And she secure in Love's celestial fold;
-| Till, waking gradually as from a sleep,
-| Her dark eyes opened on a blaze of gold.
-| She sat within a chamber hung around
-| With glistering tapestry, whereon a knight,
-| Who bore a golden helm above the fight,
-| For ever triumphed o'er assailing swords,
-| Or led the greenwood chase with horse and hound,
-| While far behind him lagged the dames and lords
-| And all the hunting train; till he, at length,
-| Brought low the antlered quarry on the brink
-| Of some deep, craggy cleft, wherefrom did shrink
-| The quailing hounds with lathered flanks aquake.
-| As Christine looked on them, her maiden-strength
-| Returned to her; and now, more broad awake,
-| She saw, within the centre of the room,
-| A golden table whereon glittered bright
-| A casket of wrought gold, and, in the light,
-| Queen Hild, awaiting her, with smiling lips,
-| And laughing words: "Is this then love's sad doom,
-| To perish, fainting, in light's brief eclipse
-| Between a curtain and a closed door?
-| Shall this bright casket ever hold, unsought,
-| The golden helm--in elfin-ages wrought
-| For some star-destined knight--because love's heart
-| Grows faint within her? Shall the world no more
-| Acclaim its helmèd lord?" But, with a start,
-| Christine arose, and swiftly forward came
-| With eager eyes, and stooped with fluttering breast--
-| Her slender, shapely hands together pressed
-| In tense expectancy, and all her face
-| With quivering light of wondering love aflame.
-| The Queen bent down, and in a breathing space
-| Unlocked the casket with a golden key,
-| And deftly loosed a little golden pin;
-| The heavy lid swung open and, within,
-| To Christine's eyes revealed the golden helm.
-| Then spake Queen Hild, once more: "Your love-gift see!
-| Think you that any smith in all the realm
-| Can beat dull metal to so fair a casque?
-| In jewelled caverns of enchantment old
-| This helm was wrought of magic-tempered gold
-| To yieldless strength, by elfin-hammers chased,
-| That toiled unwearied at their age-long task,
-| And over it an unknown legend traced
-| In letters of some world-forgotten tongue.
-| At noon, with careful footing, down the stair
-| Unto the hall the casket you must bear,
-| When King and knight are gathered round the board,
-| And, ere the tales be told or songs be sung,
-| Acclaim your love the golden-helmed lord."
-| Christine, awhile, in speechless wonderment,
-| Hung o'er the glistering helm, and silence fell
-| Within the arrased chamber like a spell;
-| While softly, on some distant, sunlit roof,
-| The basking pigeons cooed with deep content;
-| Till, far below, a sudden-clanging hoof
-| Startled the morn. The women's lifted eyes
-| One moment met in kindred ecstasy;
-| Then Hild, with hopeless shudder, shaking free,
-| With strained voice spake: "Why do you longer wait?
-| Your love returns; shall he, in sad surprise,
-| Find no glad face to greet him at the gate?"
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- III\.
-
-| As some new jest was tossed from tongue to tongue,
-| Light laughter rippled round the midday board,
-| Beneath the bannered rafters: dame and lord
-| And maid and squire with merry chattering
-| Sat feasting; though no motley humour wrung
-| A smile from Hild, where she, beside the King,
-| Watched pale and still. She saw on Geoffrey's face
-| Grave wonder that he caught not anywhere
-| Among the maids the dusk of Christine's hair,
-| Or sunlight of her glance. His eyes, between
-| The curtained doorway and her empty place,
-| Kept eager, anxious vigil for Christine.
-| But when, at last, the lingering meal nigh o'er,
-| The waking harp-notes trembled through the hush,
-| Like the light, fitful prelude of the thrush
-| Ere his full song enchant the domèd elm;
-| The arras parting, through the open door
-| She came. Before her borne, the golden helm
-| Within the dim-lit hall shone out so bright,
-| That lord and dame in rustling wonder rose,
-| And squire and maiden sought to gather close,
-| With questioning lips, about the love-bright maid.
-| Christine, unheeding, turned nor left nor right;
-| With lifted head and eager step unstayed,
-| She strode to Geoffrey, while he stood alone,
-| Radiant with wondering love--as one who sees
-| The light of high, eternal mysteries
-| Illume awhile the mortal shade that moves
-| From out oblivion unto night unknown,
-| Hugging a little grace of joys and loves.
-| Before him now she came and, kneeling, spake,
-| With slow, clear-welling voice: "In ages old
-| This helm was wrought from elfin-hammered gold,
-| For one who, in the after-days, should be
-| Supreme above his kind, as, in the brake
-| Of branching fern, the solitary tree
-| That crests the fell-top. Unto you I bring
-| The gift of destiny, that, as the sun
-| New-risen of your knighthood, newly-won,
-| The wondering world may see its glory shine."
-| As Christine spake, with questioning glance the King
-| Turned to the Queen, who gave no answering sign.
-| Then, stretching forth his arm, he cried: "Sir knight,
-| I know not by what evil chance this maid
-| Has climbed the secret newell-stair unstayed
-| And reached the casket-chamber, and has borne
-| From thence the Helm of Strife, whereon the light
-| Of day has never fallen, night or morn,
-| For seven hundred years; but, ere you take
-| The doomful gift, know this: he who shall dare
-| To don the golden helm must ever fare
-| Upon the edge of peril, ever ride
-| Between dark-ambushed dangers, ever wake
-| Unto the thunderous crash of battle-tide.
-| Oh, pause before you take the fateful helm.
-| Will you, so young, forego, for evermore,
-| The sheltered haven-raptures of the shore,
-| To strive in ceaseless tempest, till, at last,
-| The fury-crested wave shall overwhelm
-| Your broken life on death's dark crag upcast?"
-| He ceased, and stood with eyes of hot appeal;
-| An aching silence shuddered through the hall;
-| None stirred nor spake, though, swaying like to fall,
-| Christine, in mute, imploring agony,
-| Wavered nigh death. As glittering points of steel
-| Queen Hild's eyes gleamed in bitter victory.
-| But all were turned to Geoffrey, where he stood
-| In pillared might of manhood, very fair;
-| His face a little paled beneath his hair,
-| Though bright his eyes with all the light of day.
-| At length he spake: "For evil or for good,
-| I take the Helm of Strife; let come what may."
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- IV\.
-
-| Dawn shivered coldly through the meadowlands;
-| The ever-trembling aspens by the stream
-| Quivered with chilly light and fitful gleam;
-| Ruffling the heavy foliage of the plane,
-| Until the leaves turned, like pale, lifted hands,
-| A cold gust stirred with presage of near rain.
-| Coldly the light on Geoffrey's hauberk fell;
-| But yet more cold on Christine's heart there lay
-| The winter-clutch of grief, as, far away,
-| She saw him ride, and in the stirrup rise
-| And, turning, wave to her a last farewell.
-| Beyond the ridge he vanished, and her eyes
-| Caught the far flashing of the helm of gold
-| One moment as it glanced with mocking light;
-| Then naught but tossing pine-trees filled her sight.
-| Yet darker gloomed the woodlands 'neath the drench
-| Of pillared showers; colder and yet more cold
-| Her heart had shuddered since the last, hot wrench
-| Of parting overnight. Though still her mouth
-| Felt the mute impress of love's sacred seal;
-| Though still through all her senses seemed to steal
-| The heavy fume of wound-wort that had hung
-| All night about the hedgerows--parched with drouth;
-| Though the first notes the missel-cock had sung,
-| Ere darkness fled, resounded in her ears;
-| Yet no hot tempest of tumultuous woe
-| Shook her young body. As night-fallen snow
-| Burdens with numb despair young April's green,
-| Her sorrow lay upon her; hopes and fears
-| Within her slept. As something vaguely seen
-| Nor realised--since yesterday's dread noon
-| Had shattered all love's triumph--life had passed
-| About her like a dream by doom o'ercast.
-| Long hours she sat, with silent, folded hands,
-| And face that glimmered like a winter moon
-| In cloudy hair. Across the rain-grey lands
-| She gazed with eyes unseeing; till she heard
-| A step within her chamber, and her name
-| Fell dully on her ear; then like a flame
-| Sharp anguish shot through every aching limb
-| With keen remembrance. Suddenly she stirred,
-| And, turning, looked on Hild. "Grieve you for him..."
-| The Queen began; then, with a little gasp,
-| Her voice failed, and she shrank before the gaze
-| Of Christine's eyes, and, shrivelled by the blaze
-| Of fires her hand had kindled, all her pride
-| Fell shredded, and not even the gold clasp
-| Of queenhood held, her naked deed to hide.
-| She quailed, and, turning, fled from out the room.
-| Soon Christine's wrath was drowned in whelming grief,
-| And in the fall of tears she found relief--
-| As brooding skies in sweet release of rain.
-| All day she wept, until, at length, the gloom
-| Of eve laid soothing hands upon her pain.
-| Then, once again, she rose, calm-browed, and sped
-| Downstairs with silent step, and reached, unstayed,
-| The Grey Nun's Walk, where all alone a maid
-| Drank in the rain-cooled air. With low-breathed words,
-| They whispered long together, while, o'erhead,
-| From rain-wet branches rang the song of birds.
-| The maiden often paused as in alarm;
-| Then, with uncertain, half-delaying pace,
-| She left Christine, returning in a space
-| With Philip, Christine's brother, a young squire,
-| Who strode by her with careless, swinging arm
-| And eager face, with keen, blue eyes afire.
-| Then all three stood, with whispering heads bent low,
-| In eager converse clustered; till, at last,
-| They parted, and, with high hopes beating fast,
-| Christine unto her turret-room returned--
-| Her dark eyes bright and all her face aglow,
-| As if some new-lit rapture in her burned.
-| About her little chamber swift she moved,
-| Until, at length, in travelling array,
-| She paused to rest, and all-impatient lay
-| Upon her snow-white bed, and watched the light
-| Fail from the lilied arras that she loved
-| Because her hand had wrought each petal white
-| And slender, emerald stem. The falling night
-| Was lit for her with many a memory
-| Of little things she could no longer see,
-| That had been with her in old, happy hours,
-| Before her girlish joys had taken flight
-| As morning dews from noon-unfolding flowers.
-| For her, with laggard pace the minutes trailed,
-| Till night seemed to eternity outdrawn.
-| At last, an hour before the summer-dawn,
-| She rose and once again, with noiseless tread,
-| Crept down the stair, grey-cloaked and closely veiled,
-| While every shadow struck her cold with dread
-| Lest, drawing back the arras, Hild should stand
-| With mocking smile before her; but, unstayed,
-| She reached the stair-foot, and, no more afraid,
-| She sought a low and shadow-hidden door,
-| Slid back the silent bolts with eager hand,
-| And stepped into the garden dim once more.
-| She quickly crossed a dewy-plashing lawn,
-| And, passing through a little wicket-gate,
-| She reached the road. Not long had she to wait
-| Ere, with two bridled horses, Philip came.
-| Silent they mounted; far they fared ere dawn
-| Burnished the castle-weathercock to flame.
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- V\.
-
-| Northward they climbed from out the valley mist;
-| Northward they crossed the sun-enchanted fells;
-| Northward they plunged down deep, fern-hidden dells;
-| And northward yet--until the sapphire noon
-| Had burned and glowed to thunderous amethyst
-| Of evening skies about an opal moon;
-| Northward they followed fast the loud-tongued fame
-| Of young Sir Geoffrey of the golden helm;
-| Until it seemed that storm must overwhelm
-| Their weary flight. They sought a lodging-place,
-| And soon upon a lonely cell they came
-| Wherein a hermit laboured after grace.
-| On beds of withered bracken, soft and warm,
-| He housed them, and himself, all night, alone,
-| Knelt in long vigil on the aching stone,
-| Within his little chapel, though, all night,
-| His prayers were drowned by thunders of the storm,
-| And all about him flashed blue, pulsing light.
-| Christine in calm, undreaming slumber lay,
-| Nor stirred till, clear and glittering, the morn
-| Sang through the forest; though, with roots uptorn,
-| The mightiest-limbed and highest-soaring oak
-| Had fallen charred, with green leaves shrivelled grey.
-| At tinkling of the matin-bell she woke,
-| And soon with Philip left the woodland boughs
-| For barer uplands. Over tawny bent
-| And purpling heath they rode till day was spent;
-| When, down within a broad, green-dusking dale,
-| They sought the shelter of the holy house
-| Of God's White Sisters of the Virgin's Veil.
-| So, day by day, they ever northward pressed,
-| Until they left the lands of peace behind,
-| And rode among the border-hills, where blind
-| Insatiate warfare ever rages fierce;
-| Where night-winds ever fan a fiery crest,
-| And dawn's light breaks on bright, embattled spears:
-| A land whose barren hills are helmed with towers;
-| A lone, grey land of battle-wasted shires;
-| A land of blackened barns and empty byres;
-| A land of rock-bound holds and robber-hordes,
-| Of slumberous noons and wakeful midnight hours,
-| Of ambushed dark and moonlight flashing swords.
-| With hand on hilt and ever-kindling eyes,
-| Flushed face and quivering nostril, Philip rode;
-| But nought assailed them; every lone abode
-| Forsaken seemed; all empty lay the land
-| Beneath the empty sky; only the cries
-| Of plovers pierced the blue on either hand;
-| Until, at sudden cresting of a hill,
-| The clang of battle sounded on their ears,
-| And, far below, they saw a surge of spears
-| Crash on unyielding ranks; while, from the sea
-| Of striving steel, with deathly singing shrill,
-| A spray of arrows flickered fitfully.
-| Amazed they stood, wide-eyed, with holden breath;
-| When, of a sudden, flashed upon their sight
-| The golden helm in midmost of the fight,
-| Where, with high-lifted head and undismayed,
-| Sir Geoffrey rode, a very lord of death,
-| With ever-leaping, ever-crashing blade.
-| Christine watched long, now cold with quaking dread,
-| Now hot with hope as each assailant fell;
-| The bright sword held her gaze as by a spell;
-| Because love blinded her to all but love,
-| Unmoved she watched the foemen shudder dead,
-| She whose heart erst the meanest woe could move.
-| Then, dazed, she saw a solitary shaft,
-| Unloosed with certain aim from out the bow,
-| Strike clean through Geoffrey's hauberk, and bring low
-| The golden helm, while o'er him swiftly met
-| The tides of fight. Christine a little laughed
-| With rattling throat, and stood with still eyes set.
-| Scarce Philip dared to raise his eyes to hers
-| To see the terror there. No word she spake,
-| But leaned a little forward through the brake
-| That bloomed about her in a golden blaze;
-| Her hands were torn to bleeding by the furze,
-| Yet nothing could disturb that dreadful gaze.
-| Then, gradually, the heaving battle swerved
-| To northward, faltering broken, and afar
-| It closed again, where, round a jutting scar,
-| The flashing torrent of the river curved.
-| With eager step Christine ran down the hill,
-| And sped across the late-forsaken field
-| To where, with shattered sword and splintered shield,
-| Among the mounded bodies Geoffrey lay.
-| She loosed his helm, but deathly pale and still
-| His young face gleamed within the light of day.
-| Christine beside him knelt, as Philip sought
-| A draught of water from the peat-born stream;
-| When, in his eyes, at last, a fitful gleam
-| Flickered, and bending low, with straining ears,
-| The laboured breathing of her name she caught;
-| And over his dead face fell fast her tears.
-| Once more towards them the tide of battle swept;
-| Christine moved not. Young Philip on her cried,
-| And strove, in vain, to draw her safe aside.
-| A random shaft in her unshielded breast--
-| Though hot to stay its course her brother leapt--
-| Struck quivering, and she slowly sank to rest.
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- VI\.
-
-| Queen Hild sat weaving in her garden-close,
-| When on her startled ear there fell the news
-| Of Christine's flight before the darkling dews
-| Had thrilled with dawn. A strand of golden thread
-| Slipped from her trembling fingers as she rose
-| And hastened to the castle with drooped head.
-| All morn she paced within her blinded room,
-| Unresting, to and fro, her white hands clenched;
-| All morn within her tearless eyes, unquenched,
-| Blue fires of anger smouldered, yet no moan
-| Escaped her lips. Without, in summer bloom,
-| The garden murmured with bliss-burdened drone
-| Of hover-flies and lily-charmed bees;
-| Sometimes a finch lit on the window-ledge,
-| With shrilly pipe, or, from the rose-hung hedge,
-| A blackbird fluted; yet she neither heard
-| Nor heeded aught; until, by rich degrees,
-| Drowsed into noon the noise of bee and bird.
-| Yea, even when, without her chamber, stayed
-| A doubtful step, and timid fingers knocked,
-| She answered not, but, swiftly striding, locked
-| Yet more secure, with angry-clicking key,
-| The bolted door, and the affrighted maid
-| Unto the waiting hall fled, fearfully.
-| Wearied at last, upon her bed Queen Hild
-| In fitful slumber sank; but evil dreams
-| Of battle-stricken lands and blood-red streams
-| Swirled through her brain. Then, suddenly, she woke,
-| Wide-eyed, and sat upright, with body chilled,
-| Though in her throat the hot air seemed to choke.
-| Swiftly she rose; then, binding her loosed hair,
-| She bathed her throbbing brows, and, cold and calm,
-| Downstairs she glided, while the evening-psalm
-| In maiden-voices quavered, faint and sweet,
-| And from the chapel-tower, through quivering air,
-| The bell's clear silver-tinkling clove the heat.
-| She strode into the hall where yet the King
-| Sat with his knights; a weary minstrel stirred
-| Cool, throbbing wood-notes, throated like a bird,
-| From his soft-stringèd lute. With scornful eyes
-| Hild looked on them and spake: "Can nothing sting
-| Your slumberous hearts from slothful peace to rise?
-| Must only stripling-knights and maidens ride
-| To battle, where, unceasing, foemen wage
-| War on your marches, and your wardens rage
-| In impotent despair with desperate swords,
-| While you, O King, with sheathèd arms abide?"
-| She paused, and, wondering, the King and lords
-| Looked on her mutely; then, again, she spake:
-| "Shall I, then, and my maidens sally forth
-| With battle-brands to conquer the wild north?
-| Yea, I will go! Who follows after me?"
-| As by a blow struck suddenly awake,
-| The King leapt up, and, like a clamorous sea,
-| The knights about him. Scornfully the Queen
-| Looked on them: "So my woman's words have roused
-| The hands that slumbered and the hearts that drowsed.
-| Make ready then for battle; ere seven days
-| Have passed, the dawn must light your armour's sheen,
-| And in the sun your pennoned lances blaze."
-| Her voice ceased; and a pulsing flame of light
-| Flashed through the hall; in crashing thunder broke
-| The heavy, hanging heat; the rafters woke
-| In echo as the rainy torrent poured;
-| Bright gleamed the rapid lightning; yet more bright
-| The war-lust kindled hot in every lord.
-| To clang of armour the seventh morning stirred
-| From slumber; restless hoof and champing bit
-| Aroused the garth; and day, arising, lit
-| A hundred lances, as, each bolt withdrawn,
-| The courtyard-gate swung wide with noise far-heard,
-| And flickering pennons rode into the dawn--
-| Before his knights, the King, and at his side,
-| Queen Hild, with ever-northward-gazing eyes;
-| But, ere they far had fared, in mute surprise
-| They stayed and all drew rein, as down the road
-| They saw a little band of warriors ride--
-| Sore travel-stained--who bore a heavy load
-| Upon a branch-hung litter; while before
-| Came Philip, bearing a war-broken lance.
-| Though King and lords looked, wondering, in a glance
-| Queen Hild had read the sorrow of his face
-| And pierced the leaf-hid secret--which e'ermore
-| A brand of fire upon her heart would trace.
-| Darkness about her swirled, but, with a fierce
-| Wild, conquering shudder, shaking herself free,
-| Unto the light she clung, though like a sea
-| It surged and eddied round her; yet so still
-| She sat, none knew her steely eyes could pierce
-| The leafy screen. With guilty terror chill,
-| She heard the king speak--sadly riding forth:
-| "Whence come you, Philip, battle-stained and slow?
-| What burden bear you with such brows of woe?"
-| Then Philip answered, mournfully: "I bring
-| Two wanderers home from out the perilous north.
-| Prepare to gaze on death's defeat, O King."
-| They lowered the litter slowly to the ground;
-| Back fell the branches; in the light of day,
-| In calm, white sleep Christine and Geoffrey lay,
-| And at their feet the baleful Helm of Strife
-| Sword-cloven. Hushed stood all the knights around,
-| When spake the King, alighting: "Come, O wife,
-| And let us twain, with humble heads low-bowed,
-| Even at the feet of love triumphant stand,
-| A little while together, hand in hand."
-| The Queen obeyed; but, fearfully, she shrank
-| Before the eyes of death, and, quaking, cowed,
-| With moaning cry, low in the dust she sank.
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- PRINTED BY R. FOLKARD AND SON,
- 23, DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE, BLOOMSBURY.
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diff --git a/42052-rst/images/img-cover.jpg b/42052-rst/images/img-cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bae7e9a..0000000 --- a/42052-rst/images/img-cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/42052.txt b/42052.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e5c6cfb..0000000 --- a/42052.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2925 +0,0 @@ - THE GOLDEN HELM - - - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - - - -Title: The Golden Helm - and Other Verse -Author: Wilfrid Wilson Gibson -Release Date: February 08, 2013 [EBook #42052] -Language: English -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN HELM *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines. - - - - -[Illustration: Cover] - - - - - THE - GOLDEN HELM - AND OTHER VERSE - - - BY - WILFRID WILSON GIBSON - - - - LONDON - ELKIN MATHEWS, VIGO STREET - 1903 - - - - - TO - HOWARD PEASE - - - - - _BY THE SAME WRITER_ - - _URLYN THE HARPER AND OTHER SONG_ - _THE QUEEN'S VIGIL AND OTHER SONG_ - - - - -Thanks are due to Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., for permission to reprint -"The King's Death," "The Three Kings," and the first part of "Averlaine -and Arkeld," from _The Cornhill Magazine_; to the editor of _Macmillan's -Magazine_ for leave to reprint "In the Valley"; to the editor of _The -Saturday Review_ for leave to reprint "Notre Dame de la Belle-Verriere"; -and to the editors of _The Pilot, The Outlook, The Pall Mall Gazette, -Country Life, The Week's Survey_, and _The Broadsheet_, for like -courtesy with regard to a number of "The Songs of Queen Averlaine." - - - - - Contents - -The Torch -The Unknown Knight -The King's Death -The Knight of the Wood -Notre Dame de la Belle-Verriere -In the Valley -The Vision: a Christmas Mystery -The Three Kings -The Songs of Queen Averlaine -The Golden Helm - - - - - The Torch - - -Through skies blown clear by storm, o'er storm-spent seas, -Day kindled pale with promise of full noon -Of blue unclouded; no night-weary wind -Ruffled the slumberous, heaving deeps to white, -Though round the Farne Isles the waves never sink -In foamless sleep--about the pillared crags -For ever circling with unresting spray. -At dawn's first glimmer, from his island-cell-- -Rock-hewn, secure from tempest--Oswald came -With slow and weary step, white-faced and worn -With night-long vigil for storm-perilled souls. -His anxious eye with sharp foreboding bright-- -He scanned the treacherous flood; the long froth-trail -That marks the lurking reefs; the jag-toothed chasms -Which, foaming, gape at night beneath the keel-- -The mouth of hell to storm-bewildered ships: -But no scar-stranded vessel met his glance. -Relieved, he drank the glistering calm of morn, -With nostril keen and warm lips parted wide; -While, gradually, the sun-enkindled air -Quickened his pallid cheek with youthful flame, -Though lonely years had silvered his dark head, -And round his eyes had woven shadow-meshes. -Clearly he caught the ever-clamorous cries -Of guillemot and puffin from afar, -Where, canopied by hovering, white wings, -They crowded naked pinnacles of rock. -He watched, with eyes of glistening tenderness, -The brooding eider--Cuthbert's sacred bird, -That bears among the isles his saintly name-- -Breast the calm waves; a black, wet-gleaming fin -Cleft the blue waters with a foaming jag, -Where, close behind the restless herring-herd, -With ravening maw of death, the porpoise sped. -Oswald, light-tranced, dreamed in the sun awhile; -Till, suddenly, as some old sorrow starts, -Though years have glided by with soothing lull, -The gust of ancient longing rent his bliss: -His narrow isle, as by some darkling spell, -More narrow shrank; the gulls' unceasing cries -Grew still more fretful; and his hermit-life -A sea-scourged desolation to him seemed. -The holy tree of peace--which he had dreamt -Would flourish in the wilderness afresh, -Upspringing ever in new ecstasy -Of branching beauty and white blooms of truth, -Till its star-tangling crest should cleave the sky, -And angels rustle through its topmost boughs-- -Seemed sapless, rootless. Through his quivering limbs -His famine-wasted youth to life upleapt -With passionate yearning for humanity: -The stir of towns; the jostling of glad throngs; -Welcoming faces and warm-clasping hands; -Yea, even for the lips and eyes of Love -He hungered with keen pangs of old desire: -And, if for him these might not be, he craved -At least the exultation of swift peril-- -The red-foamed riot of delirious strife -That rears a bloody crest o'er peaceful shires, -And, slaying, in a swirl of slaughter dies. -With brow uplifted and strained, pulsing throat, -And salt-parched lips out-thrust, unto the sun -He stretched beseeching hands, as though he sought -To snatch some glittering disaster thence. -One moment radiant thus; and then once more -His arms dropped listless, and he slowly shrank -Within his sea-stained habit, cowering dark -Amid the azure blaze of sea and sky. -Then, stirring, with impatient step he moved -Across the isle to where the rocky shore, -Forming a little, crag-encircled bay, -Sloped steeply to the level of the sea; -But, as he neared the edges of the tide, -Startled, he paused, as, marvelling, he saw -A woman on the shelving, wet, black rock, -Lying, forlorn, among the storm-wrack, white -And motionless; still wet, her raiment clung -About her limbs, and with her wet, gold hair -Green sea-weed tangled. Oswald on her looked -Amazed, as one who, in a sea-born trance, -Discovers the lone spirit of the storm, -Self-spent at last, and sunk in dreamless slumber -Within some caverned gloom. Coldly he watched -The little waves creep up the glistening rock, -And, faltering, slide once more into the deep, -As though they feared to waken her: at length, -When one, more venturous, about her stole, -And moved her heavy hair as if with life, -He shuddered; and a lightning-knowledge struck -His heart with fear; and in a flash he knew -That no sea-phantom couched before him lay, -But some frail fellow-creature, tempest-tost, -Hung yet in peril on the edge of death, -Her weak life slipping from the saving grasp -While he delayed. He sprang through plashy weed, -O'er slippery ridges, to the rock whereon -She lay with upturned face and close-shut eyes-- -One hand across her breast, the other dipped -Within a shallow pool of emerald water, -With blue-veined fingers clutching the red fronds -Of frail sea-weed. Then Oswald, bending, felt -Upon his cheek the feeble breath that still -Fluttered between the pallid, parted lips. -In trembling haste, he loosed the sodden cords -That bound her to a spar; and with hot hands -He chafed her icy limbs, until the glow -Of life returned. With fitful quivering -The white lids opened; and she looked on him -With dull, unwondering eyes whose deep-sea blue -The gloom of death's late passing shadowed yet; -When suddenly light thrilled them, and bright fear -Flashed from their depths, and, with a little gasp, -She strove to rise; but Oswald with quick words -Calmed her weak terror, and she sank once more, -Closing her eyes; and, gently lifting her -Within his arms--her gold hair hanging straight -And heavy with sea-water, as he plunged -Knee-deep through pools of crackling bladder-weed-- -He bore her, unresisting, o'er the isle -Unto the rock-built shelter he had reared, -Some little way apart from his own cell, -For storm-stayed fishers or wrecked mariners. -He laid her on a bed of withered bents, -And ministered to her with gentle hands -And ceaseless care; till, wrapped in warm, deep sleep, -She sank oblivious. Silently he placed -His island-fare beside her on the board, -Lest she should wake in need; then, with hushed step, -He turned to go; but, ere he reached the door, -He paused, and looked again towards the bed, -As though he feared his strange sea-guest might flee -Like some wild spirit, born of wondering foam, -That wins from man the shelter of his breast, -Then, on a night of moon-enchanted tides, -Leaps with shrill laughter to its native seas, -Bearing his soul within its glistening arms, -To drown his peace on earth and hope of heaven -In cold eternities of lightless deeps. -But still in dreamless sleep the stranger lay, -With parted lips and breathing soft and calm; -About her head unloosed, her hair outshone, -Among the grey-green bents, like fine, red gold. -So beautiful she was that Oswald, pierced -With quivering rapture, dared no longer bide, -But, with quick fingers, softly raised the latch, -And stumbled o'er the threshold. As he went, -A flock of sea-gulls from the bent-thatched roof -Rose, querulous, and round him, wheeling, swept, -With creaking wings and cold, black eyes agleam; -Yet Oswald saw them not, nor heard their cries; -Nor saw he, as he paced the eastern crags, -How, round the Farnes, the dreaming ocean lay -In broad, unshadowed, sapphire ecstasy, -That glowed to noon through slow, uncounted hours. -His early gloom had vanished; time and space -And earth and sea no longer compassed him; -One thought alone consumed him--beauty slept -Within the shelter of his hermitage, -Upon grey, rustling bents, with golden hair. -He roamed, unresting, till the copper sun -Sank in a steel-grey sea, and earth and sky -Were strewn with shadows--wavering and dim-- -To weave a pathway for the dawning moon, -That she, from night's oblivion, might create -With the cold spell of her enchantments old -A phantom earth with magical, bright seas, -A vaster heaven of unrevealed stars. -Unmoving, on a headland of swart crag -That jutted gaunt and sharp against the night, -Stood Oswald, cowled and silent. Hour by hour -He gazed across the sea, which nothing shadowed, -Save where--now dim, now white--a lonely sail -Hung, restless, o'er a fisher's barren toil. -Yet Oswald saw nor sail nor moon nor sea: -His heart kept vigil by the little house -Wherein the stranger slumbered; and it seemed -His life, by some strange power within him stayed, -Awaited the unlatching of the door. - -But now, within the hut, the sleeper dreamt -Of foaming caverns and o'erwhelming waters; -Then, shuddering awake, awhile she lay, -And watched the moonlight, cold and white, which poured -Through the warm dusk, from the high window-slit; -When, all at once, the strangeness of the room -Closed in upon her with bewildering dread. -She stirred; the bents, beneath her, rustled strange; -She started in affright, and, swaying, stood -Within the streaming moonlight, till, at last, -In memory, once more disaster swept -Over her life, and left her, desolate, -Upon bleak crags of alien seas unknown. -Yet, through the tumult of tempestuous dark, -Above the echo of despairing cries, -A calm voice sounded; and beyond the whirl -Of foaming death, wherein she caught the gleam -Of well-loved faces drowning in cold seas, -A living face shone out--a beacon clear: -Then numbing fear fell from her, and she moved, -Unlatched the door, and stole into the night. -One moment, dazzled by the full-moon glare, -She paused, a shivering form within the wide -And glittering desolation--lone and frail. -But Oswald, watchful on the eastern scars, -Seeing her, forward came with eager pace -To meet her; and, as he drew swiftly near, -His cowl fell backward; and she knew again -The face that calmed the terrors of her dreams. -Yet, with the knowledge, through her being stole, -Vague fear more strange, more impotent than the blind -Unquestioning dread when death had round her stormed; -No peril of the body could arouse -Such ecstasy of terror in her soul, -Which seemed upborne upon the shivering crest -Of some great wave, just curving, ere it crash -Upon the crags of time. Yet, though she feared -When Oswald paused, uncertain, quick she spake, -As though she sought to parry doom with words. -She questioned him--scarce heeding his replies-- -How she had hither come; when, suddenly, -Sped by her fluttering words, the last, dim cloud -Rolled from her memory, and she saw revealed -Within a pitiless glare of naked light -The utmost horror of her desolation. -Mute with despair, she stood with parted lips, -And then cried fiercely: "Hath the sea upcast -None other on this shore? Am I, alone, -Of all my kin who sailed in that doomed ship, -Flung back to life?" And as, with piteous glance, -He answered her: "Ah God, that I, with them, -Had died! O traitor cords that held too sure -My body to the broken spar of life! -O feeble seas, that fumed in such wild wrath, -Yet could not quench so frail a thing as I!" -With passionate step, across the isle she ran, -And leapt from crag to crag, until she stood -Upon a dizzy scar that jutted sheer -Above low-lapping waves. Then once again -Her moaning cry was heard among the Isles: -"O bitter waters, give them back to me! -You shall not keep them; all your waves of woe -Cannot withhold from me those dauntless lives -That were my life. Surely they cannot rest -Without me; even from your unfathomed graves -Surely my love will draw them to my arms!" -As though in tremulous expectation tranced, -She yearned, with arms outstretched; as dawn arose -Exultant from the sea, and with clear rays -Kindled her wind-tost hair to streaming flame. - -Awhile she stood, then, moaning, slowly sank -Upon the crag; and Oswald came to her -With words of comfort which unloosed her pent -And aching woe in swift, tumultuous tears. -Oswald, in silent anguish, drew apart, -Gazing, unseeing, o'er the dawning waves; -Until at last the tempest of her grief, -In low and fitful sobbing, spent itself; -When, turning to him, once again she spake, -And, shuddering, with faltering voice, outpoured -The tale of her despair: and Oswald heard -How she, who sat thus strangely by his side, -Marna, a sea-earl's daughter, had besought -Her father, when the old sea-hunger lit -His eyes--as waves shot through with stormy fight-- -For leave to bear him company but once, -When, with his sons, he rode the adventurous seas; -How he had yielded with reluctant love; -And how, from out the firth of some far strand, -Their galley rode, beneath a flaming dawn; -How her young heart had leapt to see the sails -Unfurled to take the wind, as, one by one, -Toil-glistening rowers shipped the dripping oars, -And loosened every sheet before the breeze; -How, as the ship with timbers all astrain, -Leapt to mid-sea, through Marna's body thrilled -A kindred rapture, and there came to her -The sheer, delirious joy of them true-born -To wander with the foam--each creaking cord -That tugged the quivering mast unto her singing -Of unknown shores and far, enchanted lands, -Beyond the blue horizon; how, all day, -They rode, undaunted, through the spinning surf; -But, as the sun dipped, in the cold, grey tide, -The wind, that since the dawn with steady speed -Had filled the sails, now came in fitful gusts, -Fierce and yet fiercer, till the sullen waves -Were lashed to anger, and the waters leapt -To tussle with the furies of the air; -And how the ship, in the encounter caught, -Was tossed on crests of swirling dark, or dropped -Between o'er-toppling walls of whelming night; -How in those hours--too dread for thought or speech-- -Her father's hand had bound her to a spar; -And, even as--the cord between his teeth-- -He tugged the last knot sure, the vessel crashed -Upon a cleaving scar; and she but saw -The strong, pale faces looking upon death, -Before the fierce, exultant waters closed -With cold oblivion o'er them; and no more -She knew, until she waked within the hut, -To find her world, in one disastrous night, -In one swift surge of roaring darkness, swept -From her young feet; her kindred, home and friends, -And all familiar hopes and joys and fears -Dropt like a garment from her life, which now -Stood naked on the edge of some new world -Of unknown terrors. - Oswald heard her tale -With pitying glance; yet in his eyes arose -A strange, new light, which as each gust of grief -Shook out the fluttering words, more brightly burned; -So that, when Marna ceased, it seemed to her -That he, in holy contemplation rapt, -Had heeded not her woe; and from her heart -Burst out a cry: "Ah God, I am alone!" -But, stung by her shrill anguish, Oswald waked -From his bright reverie, and his shining eyes -Darkened with swift compassion, as he turned -And, trembling, spake: "Nay, not alone..." - Then mute -He stood--his pale lips clenched--as though within -There surged a torrent which he dared not loose. -Marna looked wondering up; but, when her eyes -Saw the white passion of his face, her soul -Was tossed once more on crests of unknown fears; -Yet rapture warred with terror in her heart; -She trembled, and her breath came short and quick. -She dared not raise her eyes again to his, -Till, on her straining ears, his words, once more, -Fell, slow and cold and clear as water dripping -Between locked sluice-gates: "Nothing need you fear. -Beyond the sea of unknown terrors lie -White havens of an undiscovered peace. -For even this bleak, scar-embattled coast -May yield safe harbour to the storm-spent soul. -Your world has fallen from you that you may -Enter another world, more beautiful, -Built 'neath the shadow of the throne of God. -There shall you find new friends, who yet will seem -Familiar to your eyes, because their souls -Have passed through kindred perils and despairs." -He ceased; and silence, trembling, 'twixt them hung; -Till Marna, gazing yet across the sea, -Rent it with words: "Where may I find this peace?" -And Oswald answered: "In an inland dale -The Sisters of the Cross await your coming, -With ever-open gate. Within seven days, -My brethren from the mainland will put out, -Bringing me food; on their return with them -You may embark. Till then, this barren rock -Must be your home." Exultant light once more -Leapt, flashing, in the depths of his dark eyes. -Yet Marna looked not up, but, slowly, spake: -"Yea, I must go.... But you...." - Then in dismay -She stopped, as though the thought had slipped unknown -From her full heart; but Oswald caught the words, -And spake with hard, quick speech, as if to baffle -Some doubt that strove within him: "On this Isle -I bide, till God shall kindle my weak soul -To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas." -Once more he paused; and perilous silence swayed -Between them, until Oswald, quaking, rose, -As one who dared no longer rest beneath -O'er-toppling doom. Yet, with calm voice, he spake: -"Even within this wilderness abides -Such beauty that, in your brief sojourn here, -Your soul shall starve not; all about you sweeps -The ever-changing wonder of the sea; -But if, too full of bitter memories, -The bright waves darken, you may lift your eyes -To watch the swooping gull; the flashing tern; -The stately cormorant and the kittiwake-- -Most beautiful of all the island-birds; -Or, if your woman's heart should crave some grace -More exquisite, see, frail bell-campions blow, -As foam-flowers on the shallow, sandy turf." -As thus he spake, a light in Marna's eyes -Arose, and sorrow left her for awhile: -And she with bright glance questioned him, and watched -The hovering gulls, and plucked the snowy blooms, -With little cries at each discovered beauty. -Yet Oswald by her side walked silently, -And watched, as one struck mute with anguished fear, -Her eager eyes, and heard her chattering words. -Then, suddenly, he left her, but returned -Within the hour, with faltering step, and spake -With tremulous voice: "We two must part awhile; -For I must keep lone vigil in my cell -Six days and nights, with fasting and with prayer; -Meanwhile, within the little hut for you -Are food and shelter till the brethren come. -When I must give you over to their care." -Marna, with wondering heart, looked up at him; -But such a wild light flickered in his eyes -She dared not speak; and, shuddering, he turned, -And strode back swiftly to the hermitage. - -Marna looked after him with yearning gaze, -As though her heart would have her call him back, -Yet her lips moved not; motionless, she watched -Until he passed from sight; then, sinking low -Among the flowers, she wept, she knew not why. - -And, as the door closed on him, Oswald fell -Prone on the cold, black, vigil-furrowed rock -That paved his narrow cell; and long he lay -As in the clutch of some dread waking-trance, -Nor stirred until the shadows into night -Were woven. Then unto his feet he leapt -With this wild cry: "O God, why hast Thou sent -This scourge most bitter for my naked soul? -I feared not storm nor solitude, O God; -I shrank not from the tempest of Thy wrath; -Though oft my weak soul wavered, trampled o'er -By deedless hours, and yearned unto the world, -Ever afresh Thy love hath bound me fast -Unto this island of Thy lonely seas; -And I, who deemed that I at last might reach-- -I who had come through all--Thy golden haven, -Knew not Thy hand withheld this last despair, -This scourge most bitter, being most beautiful." -Then on his knees he sank, and tried to pray -Before the Virgin's shrine, where ever burned -His votive taper with unfailing light. -But when his lips would breathe the holy name, -His heart cried: "Marna! Marna!" Every pulse -Throbbed "Marna!" And his body shook and swayed, -As though it strove to utter that one word, -And cry it once unto eternal stars, -Though it should perish crying. Through the cell -The silence murmured: "Marna!" And without -A lone gull wailed it to the windy night. -He lifted his wild eyes, and in the shrine -He saw the face of Marna, which outburned -The flickering taper; on the gloom up-surged, -Foam-white, the face of Marna; till the dark -Flowed pitiful o'er him, and on the stone -He sank unconscious. Night went slowly by, -And pale dawn stole in silence through his cell; -And, in the light of morn, the taper died, -With feeble guttering; yet he never stirred, -Though noonday waxed and waned. - But Marna roamed -All night beneath the stars. To her it seemed -That not until the closing of the door -Had all hope perished: now death tore, afresh, -Her father and her brothers from her arms. -By day and night and under sun and moon -She roamed unresting--seeing, heeding naught-- -Till weariness o'ercame her, and she slept; -And, as she slumbered, snowy-plumed peace -Nestled within her heart; and, when she waked, -She only yearned for that dim, cloistral calm, -Embosomed deep in some bough-sheltered vale, -Whither the boat must bear her. - In his cell, -As night paled slowly to the seventh morn, -Oswald arose--the fire within his eyes -Yet more intense, more fierce. With eager hand -He clutched the latch, and, flinging wide the door, -He strode into the dawn. One moment, dazed, -As though bewildered by the light, he paused; -But, when his glance in restless roving fell -On Marna, standing on the western crag -Against the setting moon, beneath the dawn, -His passion surged upon him, and he shook; -Then, springing madly forth, he, stumbling, ran, -And, falling at her feet upon the rock, -His voice rang out in fearful exultation: -"You shall not go! I cannot let you go! -Has not the tumult tossed you to my breast? -Yea, and not all the storms of all the seas -Shall drag you from me! Nay, you shall not go! -For we will live together on this isle -Which time has builded in the deeps for us-- -We two together, one in ecstasy, -Throughout eternity; for time shall fall -From off us; and the world shall be no more: -And God, if God should stand between us now..." -Faltering, he paused; and Marna stood, afraid, -Quaking before him; but she spake no word. -Across the waters came the plash of oars; -But Oswald heard them not, and once more cried: -"You will not go--thrusting me back to death? -For now I know the strange, new thing you brought -For me from out the storm was life--yea, life; -And I am one arisen from the grave. -You will not thrust me back and take again -That which you came through storm to bring to me? -You will not go? I cannot let you go!" - -He ceased; and now the even plash of oars -Came clearer. One dread moment Marna stood -Swaying; then, stretching forth her arms, she cried: -"Ah God! Ah God! Why hath Thy cold hand set -This doom upon me? Must I ever bear -Death and disaster unto whom I love? -Oh, is it not enough that, 'neath the wave, -Because I sought to bear them company, -My father and my brothers lie in death? -But this--ah God--that it should come to this! -Must I bear ever death within my hands?" - -She paused one moment, with wild-heaving breast; -Then, turning unto Oswald, spake again, -With softer voice: "But you--have you no pity? -You who are but God's servant--surely you -Have pity on my weakness. From this doom -Which overhangs me you must set me free. -You say I brought you life; but in me lies -For you--the priest of God--a death more deep -Than all the drowning fathoms of the sea. -I go, that you may live. If life indeed -I brought you, I was but the torch of God -To kindle the clear flame of your strong soul -To burn, a beacon o'er His lonely seas." -She ceased, with arms outstretched and lighted eyes. -As on some holy vision Oswald gazed -In rapt, adoring fear; nor spake, nor stirred. -Near, and yet nearer, drew the plash of oars; -And, turning in the boat, the brethren looked -With wondering eyes upon them, whispering: "Lo, -Some seraph-messenger of God most high -Tarries with Oswald. See the strange new peace -That burns his face like a white altar-flame. -Not yet must we draw near, lest our weak sight -Be blinded by that glory of gold hair -That gleams so strangely in the light of dawn." - - - - - The Unknown Knight - - -When purple gloomed the wintry ridge - Against the sunset's windy flame, -From pine-browed hills, along the bridge, - An unknown rider came. - -I watched him idly from the tower. - Though he nor looked nor raised his head; -I felt my life before him cower - In dumb, foreboding dread. - -I saw him to the portal win - Unchallenged, and no lackey stirred -To take his bridle when within - He strode without a word. - -Through all the house he passed unstayed, - Until he reached my father's door; -The hinge shrieked out like one afraid; - Then silence fell once more. - -All night I hear the chafing ice - Float, griding, down the swollen stream; -I lie fast-held in terror's vice, - Nor dare to think or dream. - -I only know the unknown knight - Keeps vigil by my father's bed: -Oh, who shall wake to see the light - Flame all the east with red? - - - - - The King's Death - - -_The sleeping-chamber of the King: a candle burns dimly by the curtained -bed. The arras parts, and two slaves enter with daggers. A storm of -wind rages without._ - -FIRST SLAVE: He sleeps. - -SECOND SLAVE: He sleeps, whom only death shall rouse -To dread unsleeping in another world. - -FIRST SLAVE: How long the careful night has kept him wakeful, -As if sleep loathed to snare him for our knives! - -SECOND SLAVE: Yea, we have crouched so close in quaking dark -I scarce can lift my sword-arm: strike you first. - -FIRST SLAVE: The heavy waiting hours have crushed my strength; -The hate that burst to such an eager flame -Within my heart has smouldered to dull ash, -Which pity breathes to scatter. - -SECOND SLAVE: Knows he pity? - -FIRST SLAVE: Nay, he is throned above his slaughtered kin, -A reeking sword his sceptre. He has broken, -As one across the knee a faggot snaps, -Strong lives to feed the blaze of his ambition; -Yet shall a slave's hand strike cold death in him -For whom kings sweat like slaves? - -SECOND SLAVE: Yea, at the stroke -One slave lies dead--a hundred kings are born; -For every man that breathes will be a king; -Vast empires, beaten-dust beneath his feet, -Will rise again and teem with kingly men, -When he, their death, is dead - -FIRST SLAVE: How still he sleeps! -The tempest shrieks to wake him, yet he slumbers. -As seas that foam against unyielding scars, -The mad wind storms the castle, wall and tower, -And is not spent. Hark, it has found a breach-- -Some latch unloosed--the house is full of wind; -It rushes, wailing, down the corridor; -It seeks the King; it cries on him to waken; -Now 'tis without, and shakes the rattling bolt; -Lo, it has broken in, in little gusts, -I feel it in my hair; 'twill lay cold fingers -Upon his lips, and start him from his sleep. -See, it has whipt the yellow flame to smoke. - -SECOND SLAVE: And now it fails; the heavy, hanging gold -That shelters him from night is all unstirred. - -FIRST SLAVE: Even the wind must pause. - -SECOND SLAVE: 'Twas but a breeze -To blow our sinking courage to clear fire. -Too long we loiter; soon the approaching day -Will take us, slaves who grasp the arms of men -Yet dare not plunge them save in our own breasts. -Come, let us strike! - -(_They approach the bed and draw aside the curtain._) - -FIRST SLAVE: The King--how still he sleeps! -Can majesty in such calm slumber lie? - -SECOND SLAVE: Come, falter not, strike home! - -FIRST SLAVE: Hold, hold your hand, -For death has stolen a march upon our hate; -He does not breathe. - -SECOND SLAVE: The stars have wrought for us, -And we are conquerors with unbloodied hands. - -FIRST SLAVE: Nay, nay, for in our thoughts his life was spilt; -While yet our bodies lagged in fettered fear, -Our shafted breath sped on and stabbed his sleep. -Oh, red for all the world, across our brows, -Our murderous thoughts have burned the brand of Cain. -See, through the window stares the pitiless day! - - - - - The Knight of the Wood - - -"I fear the Knight of the Wood," she said -"For him may no man overthrow. -Where boughs are matted thick o'erhead, -There gleams, amid the shadows dread, -The terror of his armour red; -And all men fear him, high and low; -Yet all must through the forest go." - -She paused awhile where larches flame -About the borders of the wood; -Then, crying loud on Love's high name -To keep her maiden-heart from shame, -She entered, and full-swiftly came -Where, hooded with a scarlet hood, -A rider in her pathway stood. - -She saw the gleam of armour red; -She saw the fiery pennon wave -Its flaming terror overhead -'Mid writhing boughs and shadows dread. -"Ah God," she cried: "that I were dead, -And laid for ever in my grave!" -Then, swooning, called on Love to save. - -Among the springing fern she fell, -And very nigh to death she lay; -Till, like the fading of a spell -At ringing of the matin-bell, -The darkness left her; by a well -She waked beneath the open day, -And rose to go upon her way; - -When, once again, the ruddy light -Of arms she saw, and turned to flee; -But clutching brambles stayed her flight; -While, marvelling, she saw the Knight -Unhooded; and his eyes were bright -With April colours of the sea; -And crowned as a King was he. - -She knelt before him in the ferns, -And sang: "O Lord of Love, I bow -Before thy shield, where blazoned burns -The flaming heart with light that turns -The night to day. O heart that yearns -For love, lo, Love before thee now-- -The wild-wood knight with crowned brow!" - - - - - Notre Dame de la Belle-Verriere - - -Above Thy halo's burning blue -For ever hovers the White Dove; -Thy heart enshrines, for ever new, -The Cross--the Crown of all Thy love; -While, sapphire wing on sapphire wing, -About Thee choiring angels swing -Gold censers, and bright candles bear. -Because I have no heart to sing, -I come to Thee with all my care, -_Notre Dame de la Belle-Verriere._ - -Because the sword hath pierced Thy side, -Thy brows are crowned with circling gold. -The woe of all the world doth hide -Within Thy mantle's azure fold. -Because Thou, too, hast dwelt with fears, -Through lingering days and endless years, -I find no comfort otherwhere, -Our Lady beautiful with tears, -Our Lady sorrowfully fair, -_Notre Dame de la Belle-Verriere._ - -My feet have travelled the hot road -Between the poppies' barren fires; -But now I cast aside the load -Of burning hopes and wild desires -That ever fierce and fiercer grew. -Thy peace falls like a falling dew -Upon me as I kneel in prayer, -Because Thou hast known sorrow, too, -Because Thou, too, hast known despair, -_Notre Dame de la Belle-Verriere._ - - - - - In the Valley - - -Love, take my hand, and look not with sad eyes -Through the valley-shades: for us, the mountains rise; -Beneath the cold, blue-cleaving peaks of snow -Like flame the April-blossomed almonds blow-- -Spring-grace and winter-glory intertwined -Within the glittering web that colour weaves. - -_Yet who are they who troop so close behind_ -_With raiment rustling like frost-withered leaves_ -_That burden winter-winds with ever-restless sighs?_ - -Love, look not back, nor ever hearken more -To murmuring shades; for us, the river-shore -Is lit with dew-hung daffodils that gleam -On either side the tawny, foaming stream -That bears through April with triumphal song -Dissolving winter to the brimming sea. - -_Yet who are they who, ever-whispering, throng,_ -_With lean, grey lips that shudder piteously,_ -_As if from some bright fruit of bitter-tasting core?_ - -Nay, look not back, for, lo, in tranced light -Love stays awhile his world-encircling flight -To wait our coming from the valley-ways; -See where, a hovering fire amid the blaze, -He pants aflame with irised plumes unfurled -Above the utmost pinnacle of noon. - -_Yet who are they who wander through the world_ -_Like weary clouds about a wintry moon,_ -_With wan, bewildered brows that bear eternal night?_ - -Love, look not back, nor fill thy heart with woe -Of old, sad loves that perished long ago; -For ever after living lovers tread -Pale, yearning ghosts of all earth's lovers dead. -A little while with life we lead the train -Ere we, too, follow, cold, some breathing love. - -_I fear their fevered eyes and hands that strain_ -_To snatch our joy that flutters bright above,_ -_To shadow with grey death its ruddy, pulsing glow._ - -Love, look not back in this life-crowning hour -When all our love breaks into perfect flower -Beneath the kindling heights of frozen time. -Come, Love, that we with happy haste may climb -Beyond the valley, and may chance to see -Some unknown peak that cleaves unfading skies. - -_Old sorrow saps my strength; I may not flee_ -_The flame of passionate hunger in their eyes;_ -_Beseeching shade on shade--they hold me in their power._ - -Love, look not back, for, all too brief, our day, -In wilder glories flameth fast away. -Lo, even now, the northern snow-ridge glows-- -With purple shadowed--from pale gold to rose -That shivers white beneath stars dawning cold. -Lift up thine eyes ere all the colour fades. - -_Ah, rainbow-plumed Love in airs of gold,_ -_Too late I turn, a shade among the shades._ -_To follow, death-enthralled, thy flight through ages grey._ - - - - - The Vision. - - - A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY. - -PERSONS: A YOUNG HERD. HIS MOTHER. -SCENE: THE QUEEN'S CRAGS. -TIME: CHRISTMAS EVE. - -_The herd stands at the foot of the Crags, gazing across the dark fells. -His mother enters._ - -MOTHER: Son, come home, nor tarry here -In this peril-haunted place. -My old heart is filled with fear -By the white flame of thy face, -And thine eyes whose restless fire -Burneth ever wild and clear -As red peats between the bars. -Son, come home; the night is cold; -Dropping from the wintry stars, -Tingling frost falls through the air; -See, the bents are white with rime; -All the sheep are in the fold; -All the cattle in the byre; -Only we, of live things, roam -O'er the fells so far from home; -E'en the red fox in his lair -Snuggles close to keep him warm; -And the lonely, wandering hare -Crouches, shivering, in her form; -While by Greenlea's frozen edge -Hides the mallard in the sedge. -Son, come home; the ingle-seat -Waits thee by the glowing peat, -And the door is off the latch. -Come, and we will feast and sing, -As of old at Christmas time, -Until thou wilt drowse and nod -And with slumber-drooping head -Gladly seek thy bracken-bed -Underneath the heather-thatch; -Where the healing sleep will bring -Unto thee the peace of God. -Son, come home! Whom seekest thou there? - -HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere! - -MOTHER: Cry no more on Guenevere. -Some wild warlock of the fells, -Born beneath the Devil's Scars, -Lures thee forth to drown thy soul -Deep in Broomlea-water cold. -Guenevere no longer dwells -Anywhere beneath the stars; -Though she walked these Crags of old, -Many hundred years ago, -Into earth she sank like snow; -As a sunset-cloud in rain -Breaks, and showers the thirsty plain, -All the glory of her hair -Fell to earth, we know not where. -Leave thy foolish quest forlorn. -Lo, to-night a King is born, -Who, when earthly kings at last -Into wildering night are passed, -Yet shall wear the crown of morn. - -Mary, Thou whose love may turn -Eyes that after evil burn, -Draw his soul, that strays so far, -To Thy Son's white throning-star. -Queen of Heaven, hear my prayer! - -HERD: Guenevere! O Guenevere! - -MOTHER: Low she lies, and may not hear. -The white lily, Guenevere, -Ruthless time has trodden down; -Arthur is a tarnished crown, -High Gawain a broken spear, -Percival a riven shield; -They, who taught the world to yield, -Closed with death and lost the field, -Stricken by the last despair: -Launcelot is but a name -Blown about the winds of shame; -Surely God has quenched the flame -That burned men's souls for Guenevere. - -Mary, heed a mother's woe; -Mary, heed a mother's tears! -Thou, whose heart so long ago -Knew the pangs and hopes and fears -We poor mortal mothers know; -Thou, to whom, on Christmas-morn, -Christ, the Son of God, was born; -Thou whose mother-love hath pressed -The sweet Babe against thy breast; -And with wondering joy hath felt -The warm clutch of little hands, -When the Kings from far-off lands-- -Crowned with gold, in gold attire-- -With the simple shepherds knelt -'Mid the beasts within the byre; -Mary, if Thy heart, afraid, -When beyond Thy care he strayed, -Sometimes grieved that he must grow -Unlike other boys and men-- -Filled with dreams beyond Thy ken, -Anguished with diviner woe, -Pangs more fiery than Thy pain, -Deeper than Thy dark despair-- -From the perils of the night -Give me back my son again. -Thou, whose love may never fail, -Heed a lonely mother's prayer! -Come in all Thy healing might! - -_A sudden glory sweeps across the Fells. The vision appears in a cleft -of the Crags. The herd and his mother kneel before it._ - -MOTHER: Mary, Queen of Heaven, hail! - -HERD (_falling forward_): Guenevere! Guenevere! - - - - - THE THREE KINGS. - - - To C. J. S. - - - - The Three Kings - -PERSONS: KING GARLAND, KING ARLO, KING ASHALORN. - -SEA-VOICES, WAVE-VOICES, AND WIND-VOICES. - -SCENE: _A rock in the midst of the North Sea,_ -_whereon the three kings, bound naked by conquering_ -_sea-rovers, have been left to perish._ - -VOICE OF THE DAWN-WIND: Awaken, O sea, from thy starry dream; -Awaken, awaken! -For delight of thy slumber not one pale gleam -From dim star-clusters remaineth unshaken. -All night I have haunted the valleys and rivers; -Now hither I come-- -Ere, quickened with sunlight, the drowsy east quivers-- -To waken thy song, night-bewildered and dumb; -To stir thy grey waters, of starlight forsaken, -To loosen white foam in the red of the dawn. - -WAVE-VOICES: The sound of thy voice -Has broken our sleep; -All night we have waited thee, herald of light. -We arise, we rejoice -At thy bidding to leap, -And spray with our laughter the trail of the night. -All night we have waited thee, weary of stars-- -The little star-dreams, and the sleep without song; -The deep-brooding slumber of silence that holds -Our melody mute in the uttermost deep. -O Wind of the Dawn, we have waited thee long; -The sound of thy voice -Has broken our sleep; -We arise, we rejoice -At thy bidding to leap, -With a tumult of singing, a rapture of spray, -To scatter our joy in the path of the day. - -GARLAND: Day comes at last, beyond the sea's grey rim; -The young sun leaps in sudden might of gold. - -ASHALORN: Before his fire our lives will smoulder dim; -Like stars we shine, we fade; the tale is told, -And all our empty splendour put to scorn; -Fate leaves us, who were clothed in pride, forlorn, -To perish, naked, in this lonely sea. -But yesterday we ruled as kings of earth; -Frail men to-day; to-morrow, who shall be? - -ARLO: But yesterday my cup of life was filled -To overflowing with the wine of mirth-- -The plashing joy from fruitful years distilled. - -GARLAND: But yesterday my kinghood sprang to birth; -My fingers scarce had grasped the might new-born, -When from my clutch the glittering pomp was torn. - -SEA-VOICES: They slumber, they slumber, the kings in their pride. -The beak of the Rover is dipt in the tide; -The sails of the Rover are red in the wind; -And white is the trail of the foam flung behind. -They have fallen, have fallen, the kings in their pride; -Their sea-gates are forced by the rush of the tide; -Their splendour is scattered as surf on the wind; -And red is the trail of the terror behind. - -Forsaken, forlorn, -On a rock of the sea, -In anguish they bow, -And wait for the night and the darkness to be; -Oh, bright was the gold in their hair; -The sea-weed, in scorn, -Is twined in it now; -Oh, rich was their raiment and rare, -Blue, purple, and gold, -In fold upon fold; -Of glory and majesty shorn, -They are clothed with the wind of despair. - -GARLAND: Lo, the live waters run to greet the day: -Even so I laughed to see the soaring light; -My life was poised like yonder curving wave -To break in such bright revel of keen spray. - -ARLO: I counted not the years that took their flight, -Gold-crowned and singing; every hour I stood, -As one enchanted in an April wood, -In some new paradise of scent and flowers. -I counted not the countless, careless hours, -The days of rapture and the nights of peace. -How should I dream that such delight could pass, -Such colour fade, such flowing numbers cease, -My glory perish where was none to save, -And all my strength be trodden in the grass? - -ASHALORN: Oh, blest art thou who diest in thy youth; -Oh, blest art thou who failest in thy prime; -While yet thine eyes are full of wondering truth; -Ere yet thy feet have found the ways of thorn. -Too long I wandered down the vale of time, -A lonely wind, all songless and forlorn; -For I have found the empty heart of things, -The secret sorrow of the summer rose, -And all the sadness of the April green; -I know that every happy stream that springs -Into a sea of bitter memories flows; -I know the curse that God has set on kings-- -The solitary splendour and the crown -Of desolation, and the prisoning state; -The heart that yearns beneath the robe of gold, -The soul that starves behind the golden gate. -I know how chance has reared our earthly thrones -Upon a shifting wrack of whitened bones, -Of heroes fallen in the wars of old-- -By wind upbuilded and by wind cast down. - -SEA-VOICES: As foam on the edge of the waters of night, -They flicker and fall; -More brief than delight, -More frail than their tears, -They flicker and fall -In the tide of the years; -Awhile they may triumph, as lords of the earth, -With feasting and mirth, -Yet the winds and the waters shall sweep over all. - -VOICE OF THE WEST WIND: O wide-shifting wonder of sapphire and gold, -O wandering glory of emerald and white, -From the purple and green of the moorlands I come, -To sweep o'er thy waters with turbulent flight, -To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might; -I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam, -With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray; -To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold, -I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away. - -I have drunk the red wine of the heather, and swept -Over moorland and fell, for mile upon mile. -The little blue loughs were merry, and leapt, -With a shaking of laughter, in dim, dreaming hollows; -The little blue loughs were merry, and flung -Their spray on my wings as above them I swung; -I laughed to their laughter, and dallied awhile; -Then left them to sink in the silence that follows. - -In the forest I stirred, like the chant of thy tides, -The song of the boughs and the branches a-swinging; -The ashes and beeches and oak-trees were singing, -Like the noise of thy waters when dark tempest rides. -I swung on the crest of the pine-trees a-swaying, -As now on thy green, flowing surges, O sea; -I piped in my triumph, they danced to my playing; -I left them a-murmur, to hasten to thee. - -The white clouds were driven like ships through the air, -And grey flowed the shadows o'er sea-coloured bent, -And dark on the heathland, and dark on the wold: -But here on thy waters, where all things grow fair, -They shadow with purple thine emerald and gold. -My revel unbroken, my rapture unspent, -To thy far-shining wonder, O sea, I have come, -To sweep o'er thy splendour with turbulent flight; -To sway thee, and swing thee abroad in my might; -I lean to thy lips, to their white, curling foam, -With laughter and kisses, to smite it to spray; -To thine uttermost deep, unlitten and cold, -I thrill thee with rapture, then wander away. - -GARLAND: There is no sadness in the world but death. -The years that whitened o'er thy head have taken -The colour from thy life, but still in me -The blood beats young and red; yea, still my breath -Is full of freshness as the wind that blows -Across the morning-fells when night has shaken -His cooling dews among the wakening heath. -Yea, now the wind that lashes o'er the sea -Stings all my quivering body to keen life -And whips the blood into my straining limbs; -And all the youth within me springs to fire; -I am consumed with ravening desire -For one brief, wild, delirious hour of strife; -I yearn for every joy that flies or swims, -Rides on the wind or with the water flows. -Yet I must die by patient, slow degrees, -With hourly wasting flesh and parching blood; -Ah God, that I might leap into the flood, -And perish struggling in the adventurous seas! - -ARLO: My mouth is filled with saltness, and I thirst -For forest-pools that bubble in the shade, -When loud the hot chase pants through every glade, -And fleeing fawns from every thicket burst; -Or clear wine vintaged when the world was young, -Gurgling from deep-mouthed jars of coloured stone. - -ASHALORN: The noonday burns my body to the bone, -And sets a coal of fire upon my tongue, -Between my lips, and stifles all my breath. -Oh come, thou only joy undying, death! - -WAVE-VOICES: O wind, that failing, failing, failing, dies, -Beneath the heat of August-laden skies, -Sinking in sleep, sinking in quiet sleep-- -Thy blue wings folded o'er our dreaming deep - -We too are weary, weary in the noon; -We too will fall in shining slumber soon-- -Foamless and still, foamless and very still, -Unstirred, unshaken by thy restless will. - -Yet there are eyes that cannot, cannot close, -And strong souls racked by fiery, rending woes-- -Never to rest, never to gather rest -By any stream of murmuring waters blest. - -But slumber falling, falling, on us lies, -Silent and deep, beneath noon-laden skies, -Silent and deep, silent and very deep, -With blue wings folded o'er our dreaming sleep. - - * * * * * - -VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: I have shaken the noon - from my wings, I arise -To quicken the flame in the western skies-- -To blow the clouds to a streaming flame, -Where the red sun sinks in the opal sea, -And red as the heart of the opal glows -His last wild gleam in the waters grey. -O grey-green waters, curling to rose, -The kings are glad of the dying day; -The kings are weary; the white mists close-- -The white mists gather to cover their shame. - -ASHALORN: The evening mist is dank upon my brow, -And cold upon my lips--yea, cold as death; -Yet, through the gloom, she gazes on me now, -As in our early-wedded days; her breath -Is warm once more upon my withered cheek. -O gaunt, grey lips, that strive but may not speak; -O cold, grey eyes, that flicker in the gloam-- -Long have we strayed; come, let us wander home! - -ARLO: Like lit September woodlands, streameth down -Her hair, beneath the circle of her crown; -Of rarer, redder glory than the cold -Dead metal that for ever strives to hold -The ever-straying wonder of live gold! -Like woodland pools, her eyes, a dreaming brown-- -Like woodland pools where autumn-splendours drown! -O red-gold tresses, shaking in the gloam, -Unto your light, unto your shade I come! - -GARLAND: Her eyes are azure as the wind-blown sea, -With deep sea-shadowings of grey and green; -And like an April storm her shining hair-- -Yea, all the glittering Aprils that have been, -And all the wondering Aprils yet to be, -Have stored their wealth of shower and sunshine there; -Yea, all the thousand, thousand springs of earth -New-lit and re-awakened at her birth, -In her sweet body glow and glimmer fair. -O wonder of sea-colours and white foam -And April glories, to thine arms I come! - -VOICE OF THE EVENING WIND: The sun is gone, - and the last, red flame -Has faded away in a shimmer of rose-- -A shimmer of rose that shivers to grey. -The kings are glad of the dying day-- -The kings are weary; the white mists close, -The white mists gather to cover their shame. - - - - - THE SONGS OF QUEEN AVERLAINE. - - - To M. B. - - - -PERSONS: THE KING, - QUEEN AVERLAINE, - THE KNIGHT ARKELD. - - - I. - KING AND QUEEN. - - - 1. - -The day has come; at last my dream unfolds - White, wondering petals with the rising sun. -No other glade in Love's world-garden holds - So fair a bloom from vanquished winter won. - -Long, oh, so long I watched through budding hours, - And, trembling, feared my dream would never wake; -As, one by one, I saw star-tranced flowers - Out on the night their dewy splendour shake. - -But with the earliest gleam of dawn it stirred, - Knowing that Love had put the dark to flight; -And I must sing more glad than any bird - Because the sun has filled my dream with light. - - - 2. - -Is it high noon, already, in the land? -O Love, I dreamed that morn could never pass; -That we might ever wander, hand in hand, -As children in June-meadows plucking flowers, -Through ever-waking, fresh-unfolding hours: -Yet now we sink love-wearied in the grass; -Yea, it is noon, high noon in all the land. - -The young wind slumbers; all the little birds -That sang about us in the fields of morn -Are songless now; no happy flight of words -On Love's lip hovers--Love has waxed to noon. -Ah, God, if Love should wane to evening soon -To perish in a sunless world, forlorn, -And cease with the last song of weary birds! - - - 3. - -At dawn I gathered flowers of white, -To garland them for your delight. - -At noon I gathered flowers of blue, -To weave them into joy for you. - -At eve I gather purple flowers, -To strew above the withered hours. - - - 4. - -She knelt at eve beside the stream, -And, sighing, sang: "O waters clear, -Forsaken now of joy and fear, -I come to drown a withered dream. - -"Unseen of day, I let it fall -Within the shadow of my hair. -O little dream, that bloomed so fair, -The waters hide you after all!" - - - 5. - -"Is it not dawn?" she cried, and raised her head, -"Or hath the sun, grey-shrouded, yesternight, -Gone down with Love for ever to the dead? -When Love has perished, can there yet be light?" - -"Yea, it is dawn," one answered: "see the dew -Quivers agleam, and all the east is white; -While in the willow song begins anew." -"When Love has perished, can there yet be light?" - - - - II. - AVERLAINE AND ARKELD. - - - 1. - -ARKELD: Oh, why did you lift your eyes to mine? -Oh, why did you lift your drooping head? - -AVERLAINE: The tangled threads of the fates entwine -Our hearts that follow as children led. - -ARKELD: From the utmost ends of the earth we came, -As star moves starward through wildering night. - -AVERLAINE: Our souls have mingled as flame with flame, -Yea, they have mingled as light with light. - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between! - -ARKELD: The stars in their courses move through the sky -Unswerving, unheeding, cold and blind. - -AVERLAINE: Why did you linger nor pass me by -Where the cross-roads meet in the ways that wind? - -ARKELD: I saw your eyes from the dusk of your hair -Flame out with sorrow and yearning love. - -AVERLAINE: And I, who wandered with grey despair, -Looking up, saw heaven in blossom above. - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between! - -ARKELD: May we not go as we came, alone, -Unto the ends of the earth anew? - -AVERLAINE: May we draw afresh from the rose new-blown -The golden sunlight, the crystal dew? - -ARKELD: Yea, love between us has bloomed as a rose -Out of the desert under our feet. - -AVERLAINE: May we forget how the red heart glows, -Forget that the dew on the petals is sweet? - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow that falls between! - -ARKELD: Have the ages brought us together that we -Might tremble, start at shadows, and cry? - -AVERLAINE: Yea, it has been, and ever will be -Till Sorrow be slain or Love's self die. - -ARKELD: Stronger than Sorrow is Love; and Hate, -The brother of Love, shall end our Sorrow. - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow is strong with the strength of Fate, -And, slain, would rise from the grave to-morrow. - -ARKELD: Ah God, ah God, that it never had been! - -AVERLAINE: The Shadow, the Shadow for ever between! - - - 2. - -AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and tear with ruthless hands -The golden web wherein, too late, Love strove -To weave us joy and bind us heart to heart. - -ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and strew on desert-sands -Petal by petal all the rose of Love, -And part for ever where the cross-ways part. - -AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, and never turn our eyes -From strange horizons, desolate and far, -Though Love cry ever: "Turn but once, sad heart!" - -ARKELD: Yea, we must part, and under alien skies -Must follow after some cold, gleaming star, -And roam, as north and south winds roam, apart. - -AVERLAINE: Yea, we must part, ere Love be grown too strong -And we too helpless to resist his might; -While each may go with pure, unshamed heart. - -ARKELD: Yea, we must part; and though we do Love wrong, -He will the more subdue us in our flight, -And hold us each more surely his, apart. - - - - III. QUEEN AVERLAINE. - - - 1. - -O love, I bade you go; and you have borne -The summer with you from the valley-lands; -The poppy-flame has perished from the corn; -And in the chill, wan light of early morn -The reapers come in doleful, starveling bands, -To bind the blackened sheaves with listless hands; -For rain has put their sowing-toil to scorn. - -O Love, I bade you go; and autumn brings -Bleak desolation; yet within my heart -Unquenched and fierce the flame you kindled springs; -For, echoing all day long, the courtyard rings -As loud it rang when, rending Love apart, -Your white horse cantered--swift and keen to start-- -Into a world of other queens and kings. - - - 2. - -I bade you go; ah, wherefore are you gone? -How could you leave me dark and desolate, -O Sun of Love, that for brief summer shone? -Mine eyes are ever on the western gate, -Half-wishing, half-foredreading your return. -Return, O Love, return! - -I cannot live without you; through the dark -I stretch blind hands to you across the world; -All day on unknown battle-fields I mark -Your sword's red course, your banner blue unfurled; -Yet never, in my day-dreams, you return. -Return, O Love, return! - -Nay, you are gone: O Love, I bade you go. -I would not have you come again to be -A stranger in this house of silent woe, -Where, being all, you would be naught to me. -Mine, mine in dreams, but lost if you return; -Oh, nevermore return! - - - 3. - -"To-day a wandering harper came -With outland tales of deeds of fame; -I hearkened from the noonday bright -Until the failing of the light, -The while he sang of joust and fight; -Yet never once I caught your name. - -Oh, whither, whither are you gone, -Whose name victorious ever shone -Above all knights of other lands? -Across what wilderness of sands? -By what dead sea-deserted strands? -On what far quest of Love forlorn? - -I loved you when men called you Lord -Arkeld, the never-sleeping sword; -Yet now, when all your might is furled, -And you no longer crest the world, -More are you mine than when you hurled -Destruction on the embattled horde. - - - 4. - -Oh, deeper in the silent house - The silence falls; -Only the stir of bat or mouse - About the walls. - -No cry, no voice in any room, - No gust of breath; -As if, within the clutch of doom, - We waited death. - - - 5. - -The King is dead; - No longer now -The cold eyes gleam - Beneath his brow. - -O cold, grey eyes, - Wherein the light -Of Love at dawn - Seemed clear and bright, - -No true Love burned - Your cold desire, -Which mirrored but - My own heart's fire. - - - 6. - -The King died yesterday.... Ah, no, he died - When young Love perished long, so long ago; -And on his throne, as marble at my side, - Has reigned a carven image, cold as snow, -Though all men bowed before it, crying: "King!" - -Too late, too late the chains which held me fall; - Rock-bound, I bade the victor-knight go by; -And now, when time has loosed me from the thrall, - I know not where he tarries, 'neath what sky -He waits the winter's end, the dawn of spring. - - - 7. - -Spring comes no more for me: though young March blow -To flame the larches, and from tree to tree -The green fire leap, till all the woodlands glow-- -Though every runnel, filled to overflow, -Bear sea-ward, loud and brown with melted snow, -Spring comes no more for me! - -Spring comes no more for me: though April light -The flame of gorse above the peacock sea; -Though in an interweaving mesh of white -The seagulls hover 'neath the cliff's sheer height; -Though, hour by hour, new joys are winged for flight, -Spring comes no more for me! - -Spring comes no more for me: though May will shake -White flame of hawthorn over all the lea, -Till every thick-set hedge and tangled brake -Puts on fresh flower of beauty for her sake; -Though all the world from winter-sleep awake, -Spring comes no more for me! - - - 8. - -I wandered through the city till I came - Within the vast cathedral, cool and dim; -I looked upon the windows all aflame - With blazoned knights and saints and seraphim. - -I looked on kings in purple, gold and blue, - On martyrs high before whom all men bow; -Until a gleam of light my footsteps drew - Before a shining seraph, on whose brow - -A little flame, for ever pure and white, - Unwavering burns--the symbol of our love; -And as I knelt before him in the night, - He looked, compassionate, on me from above. - - - 9. - -I heard a harper 'neath the castle walls -Sing, for night-shelter in the house of thralls, -A song of hapless lovers; in the shade -I paused awhile, unseen of man or maid. - -Taking his harp, he touched the moaning strings, -And sang of queens unloved and loveless kings; -His song shot through my fluttering heart like flame -Till, wondering, I heard him breathe your name. - -Oh, then I knew how all the deathless wrong -Time wrought of old is but a harper's song; -And all the hopeless sorrow of long years -An idle tale to win a stranger's tears. - -Yea, in the song of Love's immortal dead -Our love was told; with shuddering heart I fled, -And strove to pass upon my way unseen, -But song was hushed with whispers: "Lo, the Queen!" - - - 10. - -Was it for this we loved, O Time, to be -Among Love's deathless through eternity, -Set high on lone, divided peaks above -The sheltered summer-valley, broad and green? -Was it for this our joy and grief have been, -Our barren day-dreams, dream-deserted nights-- -That valley-lovers, looking up, might see -How vain is Love among the starry heights, -And, loving, sigh: "How vain a thing is Love!"? - -O Love, that we had found thee in the shade -Where, all day long, the deep, leaf-hidden glade -Hears but the moan of some forsaken dove, -Or the clear song of happy, nameless streams; -Where, all night long, the August moonlight gleams -Through warm, green dusk, no longer cold and white! -O Love, that we had found thee, unafraid, -One summer morn, and followed thee till night, -As unknown valley-lovers follow Love! - - - 11. - -I have grown old, awaiting spring's return, - And, now spring comes, I stand like winter grey -In a young world; yet warm within me burn - The morning-fires Love kindled in youth's day. - -I have grown old; the young folk look on me - With sighs, and wonder that I once was fair, -And whisper one another: "Is this she? - Did summer ever light that winter hair? - -"Ah, she is old; yet, she, too, once was young: - Yea, loved as we love even, for men tell -How bright her beauty burned on every tongue, - And how a knightly stranger loved her well. - -"Yet Love grows old that beats so young and warm; - His leaping fires in dust and ashes fail; -Shall we, too, wither in the winter-storm, - And wander thus one April, old and frail?" - -Love grows not old, O lovers, though youth die, - And bodily beauty perish as the flower; -Though all things fail, though spring and summer fly, - Love's fire burns quenchless till the last dark hour. - - - 12. - -O valley-lovers, think you love, -Being all of joy, knows naught of sorrow? -A day, a night -Of swift delight -That fears no dread, grey-dawning morrow? - -O valley-lovers, think you love -Knows only laughter, naught of weeping? -A rose-red fire -Of warm desire -For ever burning, never sleeping? - -O lovers, little know ye Love. -Love is a flame that feeds on sorrow-- -A lone star bright -Through endless night -That waits a never-dawning morrow. - - - 13. - -"Thus would I sing of life, -Ere I must yield my breath: -Though broken in the strife, -I sought not after death. -Though ruthless years have scourged -My soul with sorrow's brands, -And, day by day, have urged -My feet o'er desert-sands; -Yet would I rather tread -Again the bitter trail, -Than lie, calm-browed and pale, -Among the loveless dead. - -No pang would I forego, -No stab of suffering, -No agony of woe, -If I to life might cling; -If I might follow still, -For evermore, afar, -O'er barren dale and hill, -My Love's unfading star. -Yea, now, with failing breath, -Thus would I sing of life: -Though broken in the strife, -I sought not after death. - - - 14. - -Darkness has come upon me in the end; -Darkness has come upon me like a friend, -Yet undesired; why comest thou, O night, -To seal mine eyes for ever from the light? - -Darkness has come upon me; yet a star -Burns through the night and beckons me from far. -Look up, O eyes, unfaltering, without fear; -O morning-star of Love, the dawn is near! - - - - - THE GOLDEN HELM. - - - - The Golden Helm - - - I. - -Across his stripling shoulders Geoffrey felt -The knighting-sword fall lightly, and he heard -The King's voice bid him rise; and at the word -He rose, new-flushed with knighthood, swiftly grown -To sudden manhood, though, but now, he knelt -A vigil-wearied squire before the throne. -He paused one moment while the people turned -To look on him with eyes that kindled bright, -Seeing his face aglow with strange, new light; -Yet them he saw not where they watched amazed, -And, though like azure flames Queen Hild's eyes burned, -Beyond the shadow of the throne he gazed -To where, in kindred rapture, young Christine -Stood, tremulous and white, in wind-flower grace-- -Beneath her thick, dark hair, her happy face -Pale-gleaming 'midst the ruddy maiden-throng; -But, following Geoffrey's eyes, the trembling Queen -Now bade the harpers rouse the air with song: -From pulsing throat and silver-throbbing string -The music soared, light-winged, and, fluttering, fell; -When, startled as one waking from a spell, -Geoffrey stepped back among the waiting knights; -While knelt another squire before the King. -In Queen Hild's eyes yet hovered stormy lights, -Beneath her glooming brows, as waters gleam -Under snow-laden skies; the summer day -For her in that brief glance had shivered grey, -Empty of light and song. She only heard -The King and knights as people of a dream; -Yet keenly Geoffrey's lightest, laughing word -Stung to the quick, and stabbed her quivering life, -Till from each shuddering wound the red joy flowed; -And, though a ruddy fire on each cheek glowed, -She felt her drained heart within her cold; -Then all at once a hot thought stirred new strife -Within her breast, and suddenly grown old -And wise in treacherous imagining, -She pressed her thin lips to a bitter smile, -And strove with laughing mask to hide the guile -That, slowly welling, through her body poured -Cold-blooded life that feels no arrowy sting -Of joy or hope, nor thrust of pity's sword. -To Christine, where she yet enraptured stood, -Hild, turning, spake kind words, and coldly praised -The new-made knight. Each word Christine amazed -Drank in with joyous heart and eager ears; -To her it seemed ne'er lived a Queen so good; -And love's swift rapture filled her eyes with tears. -For her true heart, the day-long pageant moved -Round Geoffrey's shining presence; king and knight -But shone for her with pale, reflected light. -As tranced planets circling round the sun, -About the radiant head of her beloved -The dim throngs moved until the day was done. -When lucent gold suffused the cloudless west, -And lingering thrush-notes failed in drowsy song, -She left, at last, the weary maiden-throng, -To stray alone through dew-hung garden-glades; -And all the love unsealed within her breast -Flowed out from her to light the darkest shades. -Her quivering maiden-body could not hold -The sudden welling of love's loosened flood; -Through all her limbs it gushed, and in her blood -It stormed each throbbing pulse with blissful ache; -It seemed to spray the utmost glooms with gold, -And scatter glistening dews in every brake. -While yet she moved in rapture unafraid -Among the lilies, down the Grey Nun's Walk, -She heard behind the snapping of a stalk, -And stayed transfixed, nor dared to turn her head, -But stood a solitary, trembling maid-- -Forlorn and frail, with all her courage fled. -Thus Geoffrey found her as, hot-foot, he pressed -To pour about her all the glowing tide -Day-pent within his heart; the flood-gates wide, -His love swept over her, sea after sea, -Until life almost swooned within her breast, -And she seemed like to drown in ecstasy. -Yet, as the tempest sank in calm at last, -She rose from out the foam of love, new-born-- -As Venus from the irised surf of morn-- -To such triumphant beauty, Geoffrey, thralled, -Before her stood in wonder rooted fast; -Even his love within him bowed appalled -In tongueless worship as he gazed on her; -While, lily-like, the tranced flowers among, -She stood, love-radiant, and above her hung -The canopy of star-enkindling night; -Though, when again she moved with joyous stir, -He sprang to her in love's unchallenged might. - - - II. - -All night, beside her slumbering lord, the Queen -Tossed sleepless--every aching sense astrain -With tingling wakefulness that racked like pain -Her weary limbs; all night, in wide-eyed dread, -She watched the slow hours moving dark between -The glimmering window and the curtained bed. -The fitful calling of the owl, all night, -Struck like the voice of terror on her ears; -With brushing wings, about her taloned fears -Fluttered till dawn: when, as the summer gloom, -Grey-quivering, spilt in silver-showering light, -She rose and stood within the dawning room, -Shivering and pale--her long, unbraided hair -Each moment quickening to a livelier gold -About her snowy shoulders; yet, more cold -Than the still gleam of winter-frozen meres, -Her blue eyes shone with strange, unseeing stare, -As though they sought to pierce some mist of fears; -And, when she turned, the old familiar things -Unknown and alien seemed to her sight-- -Outworn and faded in the morning light -The rose-embroidered tapestries, and frail -The painted Love that hung on irised wings -Above the sleeping King. Dark-browed and pale -She looked upon her lord, and fresh despair -With dreadful calm through all her being stole, -And froze with icy breath the flickering soul -That strove within her. Evil courage steeled -Her heart once more, as, combing back her hair, -She watched the waking world of wood and field: -Hay-harvesters with long scythes flashing white; -The dewy-browsing deer; the blue smoke-curl -Above some woodland hut; a kerchiefed girl -Driving the kine afield with loitering pace. -But, as a youthful rider came in sight, -She from the casement turned with darkening face, -And looked not out again, and fiercely pressed -Her white teeth in her quivering underlip, -To stifle the wild cry that strove to slip -From her strained throat; with clutching hands she sought -To stay the throbbing tumult of her breast -That fluttered like a bird in meshes caught. - -Christine as yet in dreamless slumber lay -Within her turret-chamber; but a bird -Within the laurel singing softly stirred -Her eyes to wakeful life, and from her bed -She rose and stood within the light of day, -White-faced and wondering, with lifted head. -As April-butterflies, new-winged for flight, -That poise awhile in quivering amaze, -Ere they may dare the unknown, glittering ways -Of perilous airs--upon the brink of morn -She paused one moment in the showering light, -In radiant ecstasy of youth forlorn. -Then swift remembrance flushed her virgin snow, -And wakened in her eyes the living fire; -With joyous haste she drew her bright attire -About her trembling limbs, with eager hands, -Veiling her maiden beauty's morning glow, -Before she looked abroad on meadowlands, -Where Geoffrey rode at dawn. Across the blaze -Of dandelions silvering to seed, -She saw his white horse swing with easy speed; -He rode with head exultant in the breeze -That lifted his brown hair. With lingering gaze -She watched him vanish down an aisle of trees; -Then, swiftly gathering her dark hair in braids -Above her slender neck, she crossed the floor -With noiseless step, unlatched the creaking door, -And stole in trembling silence down the stair, -Intent to reach the garden ere the maids -Should come with chattering tongues and laughter there; -When by her side she heard a rustling stir: -The arras parted, and before her stood -Queen Hild in proud, imperious womanhood, -Looking upon her with cold, smiling eyes. -In startled wonder Christine glanced at her. -Then spake the Queen: "Do maids thus early rise -To tend their household duties, or to feed -The doves, relinquishing sleep's precious hours -To see the morning dew upon the flowers -And what frail blooms have perished 'neath the moon? -To reach the Grey Nun's Walk, mayhap you speed-- -To count the stricken buds of lilies strewn -O'ernight upon the soil by careless feet -That wandered there so late? Yea, now I know, -Christine, because you flush and tremble so. -Yet look you not on me with eyes that burn; -I would not stay you when you go to greet -The rider of the dawn on his return. -Think you I leave my bed at break of day-- -I, Hild the Queen--to thwart a lover's kiss? -Think you my love of you could stoop to this, -Though you would wed a fledgling, deedless Knight? -Nay, shrink you not from me, turn not away; -Because my heart has never known love's light, -I fain would hear your happy tale of love, -That I may prosper you and your fair youth. -Will you not trust me?" Blind with love's glad truth, -Christine sank down within Hild's outstretched arms. -Speechless, awhile, with sobbing breath she strove; -Then poured out all the tale of love's alarms, -Raptures, despairs, and deathless ecstasies, -In one quick torrent from her brimming heart; -Then, quaking, ceased, and drew herself apart, -Dismayed that she so easily had revealed -To this white, cold-eyed Queen love's sanctities. -Yet Hild moved not, but stood, with hard lips sealed, -Until, the chiming of the turret-bell -Recalling her, she spake with far-off voice: -"I, loveless, in your innocent love rejoice. -May nothing stem its eager raptured course! -Oh, that my barren heart could love so well, -And feel the surge of love's subduing force! -Yet even I from out my dearth may give -To you, Christine. Would you that Geoffrey's name -Shall shine, unchallenged, on the lists of fame? -If you would have him win for you the crown -Of knightly immortality, and live -Triumphant on men's tongues in high renown, -Follow me now." With cold, exulting eyes -She raised the arras, opening to the light -An unknown stair-way clambering into night. -Within the caverned wall she swiftly passed. -Christine for one brief moment in surprise -Uncertain paused; then, wondering, followed fast. -The falling arras shutting out the day, -She stumbled blindly through the soaring gloom-- -Enclosing dank and chilly as the tomb -Her panting life; and unto her it seemed -That ever, as she climbed, more sheer the way -Before her rose, and ever fainter gleamed -The wan, white star of light that overhead -Hovered remote. Far up the stair she heard -A silken rustling as, without a word, -Relentlessly Queen Hild before her sped -For ever up the ever-soaring steep. -But when it almost seemed that she must fall-- -So loudly in her ears the pulses beat, -And each step seemed to sink beneath her feet-- -She heard the shrilly grating of a key, -And saw, above her, in the unseen wall, -A dazzling square of day break suddenly. -Within the lighted doorway Queen Hild turned -To reach a helping hand, and, as she bent -To clutch the swooning maiden, well-nigh spent, -And drew her to the chamber, weak and faint, -Through her gold hair so rare a lustre burned, -It seemed to Christine that an aureoled saint -Leaned out from heaven to snatch her from the deep. -Then, dizzily, she sank upon the floor, -Dreaming that toil was over evermore, -And she secure in Love's celestial fold; -Till, waking gradually as from a sleep, -Her dark eyes opened on a blaze of gold. -She sat within a chamber hung around -With glistering tapestry, whereon a knight, -Who bore a golden helm above the fight, -For ever triumphed o'er assailing swords, -Or led the greenwood chase with horse and hound, -While far behind him lagged the dames and lords -And all the hunting train; till he, at length, -Brought low the antlered quarry on the brink -Of some deep, craggy cleft, wherefrom did shrink -The quailing hounds with lathered flanks aquake. -As Christine looked on them, her maiden-strength -Returned to her; and now, more broad awake, -She saw, within the centre of the room, -A golden table whereon glittered bright -A casket of wrought gold, and, in the light, -Queen Hild, awaiting her, with smiling lips, -And laughing words: "Is this then love's sad doom, -To perish, fainting, in light's brief eclipse -Between a curtain and a closed door? -Shall this bright casket ever hold, unsought, -The golden helm--in elfin-ages wrought -For some star-destined knight--because love's heart -Grows faint within her? Shall the world no more -Acclaim its helmed lord?" But, with a start, -Christine arose, and swiftly forward came -With eager eyes, and stooped with fluttering breast-- -Her slender, shapely hands together pressed -In tense expectancy, and all her face -With quivering light of wondering love aflame. -The Queen bent down, and in a breathing space -Unlocked the casket with a golden key, -And deftly loosed a little golden pin; -The heavy lid swung open and, within, -To Christine's eyes revealed the golden helm. -Then spake Queen Hild, once more: "Your love-gift see! -Think you that any smith in all the realm -Can beat dull metal to so fair a casque? -In jewelled caverns of enchantment old -This helm was wrought of magic-tempered gold -To yieldless strength, by elfin-hammers chased, -That toiled unwearied at their age-long task, -And over it an unknown legend traced -In letters of some world-forgotten tongue. -At noon, with careful footing, down the stair -Unto the hall the casket you must bear, -When King and knight are gathered round the board, -And, ere the tales be told or songs be sung, -Acclaim your love the golden-helmed lord." -Christine, awhile, in speechless wonderment, -Hung o'er the glistering helm, and silence fell -Within the arrased chamber like a spell; -While softly, on some distant, sunlit roof, -The basking pigeons cooed with deep content; -Till, far below, a sudden-clanging hoof -Startled the morn. The women's lifted eyes -One moment met in kindred ecstasy; -Then Hild, with hopeless shudder, shaking free, -With strained voice spake: "Why do you longer wait? -Your love returns; shall he, in sad surprise, -Find no glad face to greet him at the gate?" - - - III. - -As some new jest was tossed from tongue to tongue, -Light laughter rippled round the midday board, -Beneath the bannered rafters: dame and lord -And maid and squire with merry chattering -Sat feasting; though no motley humour wrung -A smile from Hild, where she, beside the King, -Watched pale and still. She saw on Geoffrey's face -Grave wonder that he caught not anywhere -Among the maids the dusk of Christine's hair, -Or sunlight of her glance. His eyes, between -The curtained doorway and her empty place, -Kept eager, anxious vigil for Christine. -But when, at last, the lingering meal nigh o'er, -The waking harp-notes trembled through the hush, -Like the light, fitful prelude of the thrush -Ere his full song enchant the domed elm; -The arras parting, through the open door -She came. Before her borne, the golden helm -Within the dim-lit hall shone out so bright, -That lord and dame in rustling wonder rose, -And squire and maiden sought to gather close, -With questioning lips, about the love-bright maid. -Christine, unheeding, turned nor left nor right; -With lifted head and eager step unstayed, -She strode to Geoffrey, while he stood alone, -Radiant with wondering love--as one who sees -The light of high, eternal mysteries -Illume awhile the mortal shade that moves -From out oblivion unto night unknown, -Hugging a little grace of joys and loves. -Before him now she came and, kneeling, spake, -With slow, clear-welling voice: "In ages old -This helm was wrought from elfin-hammered gold, -For one who, in the after-days, should be -Supreme above his kind, as, in the brake -Of branching fern, the solitary tree -That crests the fell-top. Unto you I bring -The gift of destiny, that, as the sun -New-risen of your knighthood, newly-won, -The wondering world may see its glory shine." -As Christine spake, with questioning glance the King -Turned to the Queen, who gave no answering sign. -Then, stretching forth his arm, he cried: "Sir knight, -I know not by what evil chance this maid -Has climbed the secret newell-stair unstayed -And reached the casket-chamber, and has borne -From thence the Helm of Strife, whereon the light -Of day has never fallen, night or morn, -For seven hundred years; but, ere you take -The doomful gift, know this: he who shall dare -To don the golden helm must ever fare -Upon the edge of peril, ever ride -Between dark-ambushed dangers, ever wake -Unto the thunderous crash of battle-tide. -Oh, pause before you take the fateful helm. -Will you, so young, forego, for evermore, -The sheltered haven-raptures of the shore, -To strive in ceaseless tempest, till, at last, -The fury-crested wave shall overwhelm -Your broken life on death's dark crag upcast?" -He ceased, and stood with eyes of hot appeal; -An aching silence shuddered through the hall; -None stirred nor spake, though, swaying like to fall, -Christine, in mute, imploring agony, -Wavered nigh death. As glittering points of steel -Queen Hild's eyes gleamed in bitter victory. -But all were turned to Geoffrey, where he stood -In pillared might of manhood, very fair; -His face a little paled beneath his hair, -Though bright his eyes with all the light of day. -At length he spake: "For evil or for good, -I take the Helm of Strife; let come what may." - - - IV. - -Dawn shivered coldly through the meadowlands; -The ever-trembling aspens by the stream -Quivered with chilly light and fitful gleam; -Ruffling the heavy foliage of the plane, -Until the leaves turned, like pale, lifted hands, -A cold gust stirred with presage of near rain. -Coldly the light on Geoffrey's hauberk fell; -But yet more cold on Christine's heart there lay -The winter-clutch of grief, as, far away, -She saw him ride, and in the stirrup rise -And, turning, wave to her a last farewell. -Beyond the ridge he vanished, and her eyes -Caught the far flashing of the helm of gold -One moment as it glanced with mocking light; -Then naught but tossing pine-trees filled her sight. -Yet darker gloomed the woodlands 'neath the drench -Of pillared showers; colder and yet more cold -Her heart had shuddered since the last, hot wrench -Of parting overnight. Though still her mouth -Felt the mute impress of love's sacred seal; -Though still through all her senses seemed to steal -The heavy fume of wound-wort that had hung -All night about the hedgerows--parched with drouth; -Though the first notes the missel-cock had sung, -Ere darkness fled, resounded in her ears; -Yet no hot tempest of tumultuous woe -Shook her young body. As night-fallen snow -Burdens with numb despair young April's green, -Her sorrow lay upon her; hopes and fears -Within her slept. As something vaguely seen -Nor realised--since yesterday's dread noon -Had shattered all love's triumph--life had passed -About her like a dream by doom o'ercast. -Long hours she sat, with silent, folded hands, -And face that glimmered like a winter moon -In cloudy hair. Across the rain-grey lands -She gazed with eyes unseeing; till she heard -A step within her chamber, and her name -Fell dully on her ear; then like a flame -Sharp anguish shot through every aching limb -With keen remembrance. Suddenly she stirred, -And, turning, looked on Hild. "Grieve you for him..." -The Queen began; then, with a little gasp, -Her voice failed, and she shrank before the gaze -Of Christine's eyes, and, shrivelled by the blaze -Of fires her hand had kindled, all her pride -Fell shredded, and not even the gold clasp -Of queenhood held, her naked deed to hide. -She quailed, and, turning, fled from out the room. -Soon Christine's wrath was drowned in whelming grief, -And in the fall of tears she found relief-- -As brooding skies in sweet release of rain. -All day she wept, until, at length, the gloom -Of eve laid soothing hands upon her pain. -Then, once again, she rose, calm-browed, and sped -Downstairs with silent step, and reached, unstayed, -The Grey Nun's Walk, where all alone a maid -Drank in the rain-cooled air. With low-breathed words, -They whispered long together, while, o'erhead, -From rain-wet branches rang the song of birds. -The maiden often paused as in alarm; -Then, with uncertain, half-delaying pace, -She left Christine, returning in a space -With Philip, Christine's brother, a young squire, -Who strode by her with careless, swinging arm -And eager face, with keen, blue eyes afire. -Then all three stood, with whispering heads bent low, -In eager converse clustered; till, at last, -They parted, and, with high hopes beating fast, -Christine unto her turret-room returned-- -Her dark eyes bright and all her face aglow, -As if some new-lit rapture in her burned. -About her little chamber swift she moved, -Until, at length, in travelling array, -She paused to rest, and all-impatient lay -Upon her snow-white bed, and watched the light -Fail from the lilied arras that she loved -Because her hand had wrought each petal white -And slender, emerald stem. The falling night -Was lit for her with many a memory -Of little things she could no longer see, -That had been with her in old, happy hours, -Before her girlish joys had taken flight -As morning dews from noon-unfolding flowers. -For her, with laggard pace the minutes trailed, -Till night seemed to eternity outdrawn. -At last, an hour before the summer-dawn, -She rose and once again, with noiseless tread, -Crept down the stair, grey-cloaked and closely veiled, -While every shadow struck her cold with dread -Lest, drawing back the arras, Hild should stand -With mocking smile before her; but, unstayed, -She reached the stair-foot, and, no more afraid, -She sought a low and shadow-hidden door, -Slid back the silent bolts with eager hand, -And stepped into the garden dim once more. -She quickly crossed a dewy-plashing lawn, -And, passing through a little wicket-gate, -She reached the road. Not long had she to wait -Ere, with two bridled horses, Philip came. -Silent they mounted; far they fared ere dawn -Burnished the castle-weathercock to flame. - - - V. - -Northward they climbed from out the valley mist; -Northward they crossed the sun-enchanted fells; -Northward they plunged down deep, fern-hidden dells; -And northward yet--until the sapphire noon -Had burned and glowed to thunderous amethyst -Of evening skies about an opal moon; -Northward they followed fast the loud-tongued fame -Of young Sir Geoffrey of the golden helm; -Until it seemed that storm must overwhelm -Their weary flight. They sought a lodging-place, -And soon upon a lonely cell they came -Wherein a hermit laboured after grace. -On beds of withered bracken, soft and warm, -He housed them, and himself, all night, alone, -Knelt in long vigil on the aching stone, -Within his little chapel, though, all night, -His prayers were drowned by thunders of the storm, -And all about him flashed blue, pulsing light. -Christine in calm, undreaming slumber lay, -Nor stirred till, clear and glittering, the morn -Sang through the forest; though, with roots uptorn, -The mightiest-limbed and highest-soaring oak -Had fallen charred, with green leaves shrivelled grey. -At tinkling of the matin-bell she woke, -And soon with Philip left the woodland boughs -For barer uplands. Over tawny bent -And purpling heath they rode till day was spent; -When, down within a broad, green-dusking dale, -They sought the shelter of the holy house -Of God's White Sisters of the Virgin's Veil. -So, day by day, they ever northward pressed, -Until they left the lands of peace behind, -And rode among the border-hills, where blind -Insatiate warfare ever rages fierce; -Where night-winds ever fan a fiery crest, -And dawn's light breaks on bright, embattled spears: -A land whose barren hills are helmed with towers; -A lone, grey land of battle-wasted shires; -A land of blackened barns and empty byres; -A land of rock-bound holds and robber-hordes, -Of slumberous noons and wakeful midnight hours, -Of ambushed dark and moonlight flashing swords. -With hand on hilt and ever-kindling eyes, -Flushed face and quivering nostril, Philip rode; -But nought assailed them; every lone abode -Forsaken seemed; all empty lay the land -Beneath the empty sky; only the cries -Of plovers pierced the blue on either hand; -Until, at sudden cresting of a hill, -The clang of battle sounded on their ears, -And, far below, they saw a surge of spears -Crash on unyielding ranks; while, from the sea -Of striving steel, with deathly singing shrill, -A spray of arrows flickered fitfully. -Amazed they stood, wide-eyed, with holden breath; -When, of a sudden, flashed upon their sight -The golden helm in midmost of the fight, -Where, with high-lifted head and undismayed, -Sir Geoffrey rode, a very lord of death, -With ever-leaping, ever-crashing blade. -Christine watched long, now cold with quaking dread, -Now hot with hope as each assailant fell; -The bright sword held her gaze as by a spell; -Because love blinded her to all but love, -Unmoved she watched the foemen shudder dead, -She whose heart erst the meanest woe could move. -Then, dazed, she saw a solitary shaft, -Unloosed with certain aim from out the bow, -Strike clean through Geoffrey's hauberk, and bring low -The golden helm, while o'er him swiftly met -The tides of fight. Christine a little laughed -With rattling throat, and stood with still eyes set. -Scarce Philip dared to raise his eyes to hers -To see the terror there. No word she spake, -But leaned a little forward through the brake -That bloomed about her in a golden blaze; -Her hands were torn to bleeding by the furze, -Yet nothing could disturb that dreadful gaze. -Then, gradually, the heaving battle swerved -To northward, faltering broken, and afar -It closed again, where, round a jutting scar, -The flashing torrent of the river curved. -With eager step Christine ran down the hill, -And sped across the late-forsaken field -To where, with shattered sword and splintered shield, -Among the mounded bodies Geoffrey lay. -She loosed his helm, but deathly pale and still -His young face gleamed within the light of day. -Christine beside him knelt, as Philip sought -A draught of water from the peat-born stream; -When, in his eyes, at last, a fitful gleam -Flickered, and bending low, with straining ears, -The laboured breathing of her name she caught; -And over his dead face fell fast her tears. -Once more towards them the tide of battle swept; -Christine moved not. Young Philip on her cried, -And strove, in vain, to draw her safe aside. -A random shaft in her unshielded breast-- -Though hot to stay its course her brother leapt-- -Struck quivering, and she slowly sank to rest. - - - VI. - -Queen Hild sat weaving in her garden-close, -When on her startled ear there fell the news -Of Christine's flight before the darkling dews -Had thrilled with dawn. A strand of golden thread -Slipped from her trembling fingers as she rose -And hastened to the castle with drooped head. -All morn she paced within her blinded room, -Unresting, to and fro, her white hands clenched; -All morn within her tearless eyes, unquenched, -Blue fires of anger smouldered, yet no moan -Escaped her lips. Without, in summer bloom, -The garden murmured with bliss-burdened drone -Of hover-flies and lily-charmed bees; -Sometimes a finch lit on the window-ledge, -With shrilly pipe, or, from the rose-hung hedge, -A blackbird fluted; yet she neither heard -Nor heeded aught; until, by rich degrees, -Drowsed into noon the noise of bee and bird. -Yea, even when, without her chamber, stayed -A doubtful step, and timid fingers knocked, -She answered not, but, swiftly striding, locked -Yet more secure, with angry-clicking key, -The bolted door, and the affrighted maid -Unto the waiting hall fled, fearfully. -Wearied at last, upon her bed Queen Hild -In fitful slumber sank; but evil dreams -Of battle-stricken lands and blood-red streams -Swirled through her brain. Then, suddenly, she woke, -Wide-eyed, and sat upright, with body chilled, -Though in her throat the hot air seemed to choke. -Swiftly she rose; then, binding her loosed hair, -She bathed her throbbing brows, and, cold and calm, -Downstairs she glided, while the evening-psalm -In maiden-voices quavered, faint and sweet, -And from the chapel-tower, through quivering air, -The bell's clear silver-tinkling clove the heat. -She strode into the hall where yet the King -Sat with his knights; a weary minstrel stirred -Cool, throbbing wood-notes, throated like a bird, -From his soft-stringed lute. With scornful eyes -Hild looked on them and spake: "Can nothing sting -Your slumberous hearts from slothful peace to rise? -Must only stripling-knights and maidens ride -To battle, where, unceasing, foemen wage -War on your marches, and your wardens rage -In impotent despair with desperate swords, -While you, O King, with sheathed arms abide?" -She paused, and, wondering, the King and lords -Looked on her mutely; then, again, she spake: -"Shall I, then, and my maidens sally forth -With battle-brands to conquer the wild north? -Yea, I will go! Who follows after me?" -As by a blow struck suddenly awake, -The King leapt up, and, like a clamorous sea, -The knights about him. Scornfully the Queen -Looked on them: "So my woman's words have roused -The hands that slumbered and the hearts that drowsed. -Make ready then for battle; ere seven days -Have passed, the dawn must light your armour's sheen, -And in the sun your pennoned lances blaze." -Her voice ceased; and a pulsing flame of light -Flashed through the hall; in crashing thunder broke -The heavy, hanging heat; the rafters woke -In echo as the rainy torrent poured; -Bright gleamed the rapid lightning; yet more bright -The war-lust kindled hot in every lord. -To clang of armour the seventh morning stirred -From slumber; restless hoof and champing bit -Aroused the garth; and day, arising, lit -A hundred lances, as, each bolt withdrawn, -The courtyard-gate swung wide with noise far-heard, -And flickering pennons rode into the dawn-- -Before his knights, the King, and at his side, -Queen Hild, with ever-northward-gazing eyes; -But, ere they far had fared, in mute surprise -They stayed and all drew rein, as down the road -They saw a little band of warriors ride-- -Sore travel-stained--who bore a heavy load -Upon a branch-hung litter; while before -Came Philip, bearing a war-broken lance. -Though King and lords looked, wondering, in a glance -Queen Hild had read the sorrow of his face -And pierced the leaf-hid secret--which e'ermore -A brand of fire upon her heart would trace. -Darkness about her swirled, but, with a fierce -Wild, conquering shudder, shaking herself free, -Unto the light she clung, though like a sea -It surged and eddied round her; yet so still -She sat, none knew her steely eyes could pierce -The leafy screen. With guilty terror chill, -She heard the king speak--sadly riding forth: -"Whence come you, Philip, battle-stained and slow? -What burden bear you with such brows of woe?" -Then Philip answered, mournfully: "I bring -Two wanderers home from out the perilous north. -Prepare to gaze on death's defeat, O King." -They lowered the litter slowly to the ground; -Back fell the branches; in the light of day, -In calm, white sleep Christine and Geoffrey lay, -And at their feet the baleful Helm of Strife -Sword-cloven. Hushed stood all the knights around, -When spake the King, alighting: "Come, O wife, -And let us twain, with humble heads low-bowed, -Even at the feet of love triumphant stand, -A little while together, hand in hand." -The Queen obeyed; but, fearfully, she shrank -Before the eyes of death, and, quaking, cowed, -With moaning cry, low in the dust she sank. - - - - PRINTED BY R. FOLKARD AND SON, - 23, DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE, BLOOMSBURY. - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN HELM *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42052 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the -General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and -distributing Project Gutenberg(tm) electronic works to protect the -Project Gutenberg(tm) concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a -registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, -unless you receive specific permission. 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