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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..76f937e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52455 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52455) diff --git a/old/52455-8.txt b/old/52455-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a35fe7a..0000000 --- a/old/52455-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5986 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Florence On A Certain Night, by Coningsby Dawson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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 -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Florence On A Certain Night - And Other Poems - -Author: Coningsby Dawson - -Release Date: June 30, 2016 [EBook #52455] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - - - - -FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT -AND OTHER POEMS - -By Coningsby Dawson - -New York: Henry Holt and Company - -1914 - - - -TO - -_JOHN KEATS_ - -WHO, IN EXCUSE FOR A LIKE OCCASION, - -WROTE: - -_"WERE I DEAD, I SHOULD LIKE A BOOK DEDICATED TO ME."_ - - -A WARNING TO THE READER - -Here thou shalt find grave thought--the shade of thine Most is of earth, -some little all divine. By hands God-given, mine, this tower doth -thrive; Thine are the clouds which round my turrets drive. - - - - -FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT - - -I - -(October, 1504) - - _[Someone sings in the street below]_ - - Fair-fleeting Youth must snatch at happiness, - - He knows not if To-morrow curse or bless, - - Nor round what bend upon his travel-way - - The bandit Death lurks armed--of Yesterday - - His palely featured griefs he knows too well; - - Therefore with jests To-day, come Heaven, come Hell, - - He plucks with either hand what joys he may. - - - - Joy is a flower - - White-leafd or red, - - None knows which colour - - Till it is dead: - - White gives forth fragrance - - Pure as God's breath; - - Red in its dying - - Yields the gatherer death. - - _[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]_ - - So 'tis Lorenzo's song they sing to-night, - - That haunting song which long years since he sang - - When, with his gallants through the torch- - - smirched dusk, - - He laughing rode toward the Carnival, - - And young girls loosened all abroad their hair - - And flung up petals through the cool moonlight, - - Some of which falling rested on his face, - - Some of which falling covered up his eyes; - - And girls there were who kissed his drooping - - hands - - And clasped his stirrups, begging him to stay, - - To halt one little moment, stay with them: - - _"Life is so short. Delay with us a while."_ - - But he rode on, and sang of joy and love. - - - - Lorenzo il Magnifico is dead; - - His lips are silent, and he now could halt - - Oh, endlessly, if one of those fair maids - - Should come to him imploring him to stay. - - For twelve slow years within the sacristy - - Of San Lorenzo he has never waked, - - But has the rest he could not find in life-- - - Ungrateful now, because postponed too long. - - If one should steal to him from out the past - - And bending down should whisper low his name, - - He would not hearken. True, she would be old, - - As are all maids of that spent gala-night; - - So, if he heard her, he would only smile, - - For he loved only beauty in his day. - - -II - - _[ Someone sings in the street below]_ - - Fair-fleeting Youth wends ever to the West, - - He, like the sun, too soon must sink to rest. - - Stars of Remorse, fast-following on his track, - - Moon of Old-Age, can nothing turn ye back f - - Ah, soon the golden Day'll have spent his breath! - - Then comes the drear, eventless Night of Death - - When Youth, no longer young, all joys must lack. - - _[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]_ - - "Then comes the drear, eventless Night of Death!" - - - 'Tis true, for who in Tuscany to-day - - Dares breathe the Medicean name aloud? - - When a man dies, the watchers by the bed - - Close down his eye-lids, so is he once dead; - - Twice dead is he whose mem'ry men dang down - - To dark oblivion when his soul is fled. - - Florence forgets her singer, but his song - - Still echoes through her streets on autumn nights, - - And pausing at the door of some old friend, - - Bids him remember all the hope he had - - In spacious days, before Lorenzo died . . . - - - - It seems Lorenzo's soul crept back to earth - - Re-seeking Joy he coveted in life, - - Seeking the happiness he never found. - - Yet, was his labour lost? Did he not find? - - He sang one song which lingers in men's hearts - - And, having sung, he surely solved his quest. - - Who of Joy's seekers finds the flower itself, - - And plucking, knows the snow-white from the red? - - Not I, for I've been truant in my search; - - I've pluck't the mauve of Honour and the green - - Of cloistered Knowledge, yellow of Romance, - - The blue which feigns a deep Tranquillity, - - Scarlet of Boldness, purple of Despair, - - Orange of Idleness which flaunts the sun, - - And indigo of wizard Heresy-- - - And gray which gives to Weariness unrest. - - Perchance I've clutched within this eager hand - - The Death of Joy--the fatal flower of blood. - - I know not. This I know, I have not trod - - The quiet vale where grows the flower of white. - - - - Like an unwise distiller of perfume - - I've blended each new fragrance as it came, - - Made something perfect for a day--two days; - - Then ruined all by adding something fresh. - - First I would be a scholar, so I learned - - Latin and Greek, and Mathematic Law. - - Then I would be a poet, so I wrote - - "Chi non puô quel che vuol, quel che puo voglia; - - Che quel che non si puô folle è volere. - - Adunque saggio l'uomo è da tenere, - - Che da quel che non puô sua vogler toglia." - - I could not live the wisdom which I taught, - - So I must be a master of design - - And studied sculpture with Verocchio, - - Verocchio who had his dusty shop - - On Amo's banks in grand Lorenzo's time. - - Thither, while yet a boy, I did resort - - And out of terra-cotta caused to smile - - Women whose beauty ne'er hath been surpassed, - - Nor equalled in the flesh for Man's delight. - - - - Still not content, I'd be an architect - - And renovate this battered world for God, - - Hurling across steep valleys, mile on mile - - Through cloudland, spans of marble aqueduct; - - Leading chained rivers from the mountain-heights - - Down to the plains where men are wont to toil, - - There I would cause these Samsons of the crags, - - Scenting the sea, whose waves are unconfined, - - To shake themselves as once at other times, - - And rush in frenzy forward turning mills. - - So would each city echo to the hum - - Of loom, and web, and swift-revolving wheels. - - Then, when prosperity had reached its height - - And merhants cavilled at each other's gains, - - I'd frame for them the iron beasts of war - - And hound than on to harry and destroy-- - - And when our world was fallen, who but I, - - Da Vinci, should stand forth to raise it up? - - These were my dreams; I thought myself divine-- - - All this was long ago, when I was young. - - - - Next I would make me wings, and I would fly - - As do the morning birds straight t'ward the sun, - - Piercing the mists, rise far above the clouds - - To seek out where God walks and whom He loves. - - I made me wings, but had not strength to fly. - - Still discontent and tethered to this world, - - I strove to wrench the secret out of Life, - - And swept the far horizon of the stars - - If there, at least, I might discern some sign - - To tell me whence souls come, to where depart. - - I, in my overhaste, pursued too far, - - Seeking that vague and fabled Paradise - - Where Adam and his many sons sing chaunts, - - While Eve walks through them pale and deified. - - I missed my track in pathless swamps of Time, - - I chilled my hands against the cold-dead stars, - - And lost my mind in unremembered Past, - - Remote from God and out of human sight. - - Lastly I took to painting down my thoughts, - - And pictured for the King of Portugal - - That fatal meadow in the Eden Land, - - Where Man's first sweet and deadly sin was - - wrought. - - I, in this art, all others did excel; - - Yet with success I was not satisfied - - But hourly craved for the impossible-- - - To fashion men as real as flesh and blood. - - To-day I'd toil with fire in my brain - - And paint away the faults of yesterday, - - And shadow forth the dreams of yesternight, - - And so on through long months and weary years - - Till, losing heart, I'd toss my brush aside - - Leaving the thing unfinished as it was-- - - Adding this broken promise to my last. - - - - There's Raphael with his wide unanxious eyes, - - He does his work as though it were his play; - - He never talks of fame, but sings the while - - He paints the Virgin with Lord Jesus Christ-- - - Goes to the door, throws kisses to a child, - - Goes to the window, smiles to some slim girl, - - And so returns and flashes kiss and smile - - Into the canvas quaking 'neath his brush, - - Creating thus a masterpiece sublime. - - And then there's surly Michelangelo - - Who chisels _Davids_ through the death-long night, - - And paints _Last Judgments_ through the livelong - - day, - - Pantingly running, pace on pace with Fame, - - Racing dean-limbed toward his goal in life. - - - - But I, poor changeling, wake, and dream, and - - wake, - - And dream again, retarded by desire. - - I was eight years in painting at Milan - - A fresco for the monks of Dominic-- - - And even this I hear's begun to fade; - - It was a picture of that sacred feast - - Our Saviour gave before he went to die. - - Ten years I laboured on the Sforza horse - - Which should have been my monument through - - Time. - - I built it huge and true in every line, - - Studied anatomy to make it strong, - - And set on top Francesco with his sword; - - But, when the time for casting had arrived - - And I had done one perfect work at last, - - The hungry French across the border came, - - Bringing their Gascons, who got drunk and shot - - The clay of my poor Titan into space. - - - - So were ten years of strenuous effort lost; - - And now I'm painting Mona Lisa's face . . . - - - _[Someone sings in the street below]_ - - Seize then thy gladness ere it turns to dust, - - Youth can make all acts lovely, all deeds just; - - Heed not the tyrant, lean Morality, - - But steer thy passion down to the purple sea, - - Through winding hills where Beauty hath her home - - And calls to travellers, until thou come - - Unto the Deep of Lovés Satiety. - - - _[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]_ - - - - Ha-ha, my passion to the purple sea! - - And yet, I'd go if Mona Lisa'd come. - - We two, close-seated in one crimson boat - - Would drift the yellow waters of Romance, - - Glide down its stream through hills of mystery - - Where Beauty roams, of which the song hath - - sung, - - Nor ever speak of where that tide should end. - - We'd dip no oars, we'd set no hurrying sail, - - But swept on the full current of desire - - Would steer our course with unimpeded hands, - - Watching the pleasure in each other's eyes. - - Ah well, 'tis vain to talk! Two-thirds of life - - Till now I've spent in spotless purity-- - - Affection's been retarded by desire - - As has my work; my dreams have far excelled - - The beauty God moulds into human shape. - - The sweet perfection of the womankind - - Who haunt my brain, has held me back from love. - - This . . . this was so till Mona Lisa came. - - - - Four years I've painted when it was her day, - - A day of mist, of mingled rain and sun; - - Four years before me silently she's sat - - And smiled to see me strive to catch her smile - - In liquid paint, with canvas and with brush, - - So that her eyes, searching, inscrutable, - - May question her sons' sons when she is dust. - - I only just begin to know her face. - - To learn its sudden changes I have paid - - The skill'dest men in all our Tuscan vales, - - Harpists, lute-players, masters of the viol, - - To make soft music while on her I gaze. - - For her content I ordered to be made - - A fountain in the courtyard of my house - - Whose waters falling, ere they dash to spray, - - Smite on smooth spheres, which thus revolve and - - hum - - The chaunt the winds toll in our upland pines. - - About the fountain's brink I caused to plant - - Pale iris roots and dew-blanched narcissi, - - Since white's the flower which most of all she loves. - - Also about the pillars, where the sun - - Lengthens the shadows when the evening fades, - - I've sculptured . . . - - - _[Someone sings in the street below]_ - - Passion's a flower - - While-leaf d or red-- - - None knows which colour - - Till it is dead; - - Love gives forth fragrance - - Pure as God's breath; - - Lust in Us dying - - Yields the gatherer death. - - - _[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]_ - - - - And had Lorenzo sung those words to me - - His voice had had no more familiar sound; - - Had he turned back from lordly Paradise - - To urge me on in my pursuit of Joy, - - Knowing its flower almost within my hand, - - He had not said those words more earnestly. - - Lo, even now he stands without and I, - - By leaning forward, may discerrn his face. - - - _[Rises, goes to the window; looks out]_ - - - - Nothing; the sky is covered with a cloud, - - The moon's obscured and all the stars are dead. - - - _[Cries, as though hailing someone]_ - - - - Lorenzo, ho Lorenzo! Are you there? - - I heard your singing. I am come, old friend. - - - _[Listens; then to himself]_ - - - - What's over there? I thought a shadow stirred. - - There, over there! Beneath Piero's wall. - - Hath Pagan Plato triumphed over Christ - - And sent his chief apostle back to us? - - Or hath Lord Christ in his compassion wrought - - That kindness Dives craved of Abraham, - - Sending Lorenzo here from off his breast - - To bid me snatch my Joy ere Death befalls? - - No . . . no, the moon shines through and makes - - all plain. - - This is some old Florentine Lazarus-- - - A soldier crippled in our Pisan wars - - Who begs upon San Marco's steps by day. - - Hi, here's a scudot Catch it in your cap. - - D'you hear me fellow?_ - - Strange, he does not stay, - - But hastens on as if he . . . there, he's gone. - - Perchance he's mad or deaf, or blind and mad. - - And yet methought that, when he turned to go, - - His face looked upward, so it caught the light; - - And it was like to one . . . - - - _[Comes hack from the window and sits down]_ - - - - Ah well, - - I'll think no more of spirits and of ghosts; - - Let the dead past go bury up its dead. - - I'll think of Mona Lisa's face alone . . . - - - - _Of Mona Lisa's face. - - - - Just now I said - - One thing I knew, that I had never trod - - The quiet vale where grows the flower of white. - - 'Twas false. Four years I've lived and wandered - - there - - And seen my flower, but feared to break its stem. - - Dear God, thou knowest how often I have prayed - - That this temptation might not make me fall-- - - Yea, I have asked for death's deliverance. - - Is this thy answer, that it is no sin - - For men to gather that which most they love? - - So be it. Silence answers every prayer; - - Thy voice hath spoken--I am satisfied. - - - - Men say in Florence, while I watched her face, - - That I bewitched her, so her very eyes - - Grew in expression like unto my own, - - So that her hands took on my restless ways, - - So that her mouth hath altered in its smile - - And, when I paint her face, I paint my own. - - Then let that be God's answer to my prayer. - - - - Ah, she is like me, she is very like! - - God made her for the sister of my soul; - - He would not have His plans jerked out of joint - - By one mistake, because she chanced to wed - - Her bankrupt father's sternest creditor - - To save his name--and this, some years ago; - - Therefore He sent His singer here to-night - - That he, in words I loved, might tell me so. - - Certainly God is good and very great. - - - 'Tis said her husband hath returned this night, - - Passing at sundown through the southern gate - - From Naples, where last spring he went to sell - - Certain Sicilian cattle which he had. - - (He sold, I'll warrant, at the highest price), - - So, if the husband's come, then _she_ is home. - - - - That day she left me, 'twas an April day, - - One of her days of mingled mist and sun, - - I well remember how she paused and gazed - - Full in my eyes, as if forbidden love - - Were vainly seeking words which shame denied; - - Then suddenly she stooped, and her lips brushed - - My forehead. God gave gentle words ; she prayed, - - "May the Christ-Mother have you in her care"-- - - Nothing besides. Passionately I rose up, - - Willing for her sake to be crucified; - - Stretched forth my arms to snatch her to my - - breast, - - And found her gone--the courtyard filled with sun. - - Six months have passed since then--six tortured - - months! - - There hangs her portrait, it has felt no brush - - Since on that April mom she went away; - - And now the empty courtyard's filled with night, - - And back to Florence Mona Lisa's come. - - - - To-morrow I will go to her and say, - - "Lisa, here take my life for it is yours. - - Do with it as you will; but do not stay - - To add, subtract, and reckon up its cost. - - Act a brave part and, if your love's like mine, - - We need not fear; for what we lose we gain, - - And, though we gain much, still to-day's to-day - - And, while we tarry, one day's love is lost." - - - - Ah, would that I might speak those words to-night - - For, while I halt, another night is gone-- - - Crush'd to a mem'ry 'neath the heel of Time. - - I'm minded even now to venture forth, - - To go to her, although the hour is late; - - And through the darkness, when she hears me call, - - Only to say to her this one word, "_Come_." - - Thus unto men speak Birth, Fate, Love and Death, - - The four great captains of this brief campaign; - - Casting a shadow at the soul's tent-door, - - Each in his turn beckons and whispers, "_Come_." - - And I to her am Death, Birth, Love and Fate; - - And she to me is Love, and only Love. - - I'll go to her. How can I longer wait? - - Her nearer presence sets my blood aflame; - - I'll seize my flower . . . - - - _[Commences to descend the stairway, then pauses]_ - - - Ah, the song again! - - - _[Someone sings in the street below]_ - - Let naught of fear Youth's laughing steps delay, - - Aye, gather gladness; pluck it while ye may-- - - We burn not if To-morrow curse or Hess. - - Who cares--one red bud more, one white bud less? - - Only we burn that love was meant to spend, - - And this we burn, that each life hath its end; - - Therefore, O Youth, snatch all thy happiness. - - - _[Descends slowly; passes out into the street]_ - - - _[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]_ - - - - There's truth in every line that song hath sung. - - The hand that wrote it's twelve years turned to - - dust, - - The brain's become a hollow nothingness-- - - A little grayness lying in a skull; - - And yet Lorenzo guides my steps to-night - - Unto my love as truly as in life. - - Oh wonderful and strange that men should die - - And, being buried, still should talk with us! - - When _I_ am free, and future ages come - - To stand amazed before the girl I loved, - - Then I will speak with them, say thus and thus, - - And, though departed, never shall be dead. - - For this I'll paint her portrait till 'tis done, - - Singing, like Raphael, from gray dawn to dusk, - - Pausing to kiss her forehead, lips, throat, eyes, - - Learning their beauty, where mine own lips touch; - - So I, like Angelo, with measured stride - - Will race with Fame, until the prize is won. - - Yea, men attain most only when they love. - - "_But steer thy passion down to the purple sea,_" - - (How went the song?) "_Until at length thou come - - Unto the Deep of Love's Satiety_." - - Truly, that is the way that brave men love: - - Reckless of blame, despising consequence, - - Not counting on a better day to come, - - Seizing with warrior-hands their Joy at once. - - And love in life is everything to us, - - And I have failed because I have not loved. - - But, when her soft arms go about my neck - - And I grow pale before her great desire, - - A new success will pass into my blood - - And I'll be strong . . . - - - - Ah, someone's coming up! - - I'll draw into the shadow of this gate; - - Perhaps he'll pass. I seem to know his tread. - - No good! He's seen me; I must seek the light. - - Is't you Vitelli? - - - _[Vitelli]_ - - Leonardo? - - - _[Leonardo da Vinci]_ - - Yes. - - - _[Vitelli speaks]_ - - - - Well, how's the painting? Is her portrait done? - - Whose portrait? Why, the one of Lisa's face. - - Not finished! What, 'tis only just begun? - - Well, that's a pity. Four years seems some time - - To gape before a canvas with a brush. - - Beg pardon. This is what I meant to say: - - That since you could not paint her in her life, - - You'll scarce be more successful now she's - - dead . . . - - You did not know? . . . _Why, she's been dead - - three months._ - - - - -CENTURIES AGO - - - - In the solemn twilight, centuries ago, - - God walked in His Garden, all His stars below; - - God was very lonely, so He caused to grow - - Man, in some ways like Him, centuries ago. - - - - Man roamed through the twilight, centuries ago, - - Always thinking, thinking--wishing he might know - - Who it was that made him; then God caused to - - grow - - Woman, who was half-God, centuries ago. - - - - These, within God's Garden, centuries ago, - - Stood beneath the twilight calling very low - - To some voice to answer, whereby they might - - know - - Had God really made them--centuries ago. - - - - Thus whilst they were listening, centuries ago, - - Solemn feet drew nigh them, treading very slow; - - Solemn hands so touched them that they caused to - - grow - - Something that was All-God, centuries ago. - - - - Then they left God's Garden, centuries ago. - - Scarcely dared to question, never hoped to know, - - Who it was that touched them, causing thus to - - grow - - That small child, so like them--centuries ago. - - - - -HIS MOTHER - - - - I bore him in my breast-- - - Yes, it was I. - - My mother's hands impressed - - Stars of the sky - - On to his infant sight, - - As we watched night by night, - - Jesus and I. - - - - I taught him how to pray; - - Yes, it was I - - Gave him the words to say. - - God drawing nigh, - - We two walked hand-in-hand - - Close to God's Hidden Land, - - Jesus and I. - - - - This little son of mine - - Fell from the sky; - - God made him all divine-- - - Yet there was I. - - I came to bear his loss, - - He came to take his cross-- - - He came to die. - - - - Thus we went hand-in-hand, - - My son and I, - - Up to God's Hidden Land-- - - Went up to die. - - He entered in to reign - - And came not back again-- - - Yet there was I. - - - - -PERHAPS - - - - "Perhaps tomorrow, but not today. - - I am young and life is long," she said; - - And she smiled to herself and tossed her head-- - - She scarcely cared that he went away. - - Perhaps tomorrow, but not today." - - - - Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps today," - - She laughed; and the green things rose from bed - - And lived their moment. But still she said, - - Till the sky grew old and the world grew gray, - - Perhaps tomorrow, but not today." - - - - Neither tomorrow, nor yet today." - - Night fell. She heard the voice and sped, - - And followed his steps, till she found Love dead. - - The forest muttered, as it would say, - - Neither tomorrow, nor any day." - - - - -BELLUM AMORIS - - - - Oh, the romance of it, - - Soul-thrilling trance of it, - - Though lives are lost which no love can restore! - - Hearts ride a-prance at it, - - Taking their chance at it-- - - Wing-thriven hearts to the seat of Love's War. - - Sorrow is theirs in store; - - This they know well before, - - Yet do they ride from the West and the East - - Hoping for this at least, - - Out from the West and East, - - Glory with death at the end of the war. - - - - Should they return again, - - Life sings the old refrain, - - Mystery, madness and mirth at the core: - - Patter of falling rain, - - Dawnings which wax and wane, - - Life which is war at the end of Love's War. - - Thunders have ceased to roar, - - Terrors they knew before - - When they rode out from the East and the West. - - Though passions will not rest, - - Love, which is always best, - - Honours brave lips at the end of the war. - - - - -QUEEN MARY OF HEAVEN - - - - She sits in God's garden, - - Queen Mary of Heaven, - - Where birds sing their steven - - Hid in the cool tree; - - And all the gold day-time, - - From morning till even, - - Earth's little strange children - - Play round her knee. - - - - Earth's lost little children - - She binds to her bosom, - - Each wind-gathered blossom, - - Till mothers are free - - To steal to God's Garden - - And name them and loose them-- - - In Eden's green garden, - - 'Neath Mary's tree. - - - - -A BRAVE LIFE - - - - The arid loneliness of life he knew, - - The doubtful darkness of the starless night, - - And fear lest he should never see the sight - - Of dawn and God the Father breaking through. - - Brave offspring of a disenchanted age - - He lived as though illusion were not dead; - - His was the pain of faiths discredited - - Which with new knowledge civil battles wage. - - - - In all his deeds for righteous quests he stood - - And we, who watched his face and heard his voice, - - Dreamed of the Christ; we had not any choice, - - In loving him we knew that God was good-- - - - - We knew. And thus, beneath the hooded sky, - - Lightly we followed where his pain had made - - A path for us; if one should fall, he stayed - - To raise him, lest his frailer hope should die. - - - - Ofttimes when summer's day had ceased to shine - - And on our London roofs the moon looked down, - - We two would wander through the gas-lit town - - Speaking in whispers of the things divine; - - - - Or in love's stillness, high above the strife, - - We found our spirits strangely catching fire, - - And told of that "_ unspeakable desire - - After the knowledge of the buried life._" - - - - He knows its secret now; the morning mist - - Drifts up the road where his last footprint lies; - - And I, as ever when a Christ-man dies, - - Stand awe-struck, asking, "Was not this the - - Christ?" - - - - His soul craved God. I think we always knew - - He would be with us but a little while. - - Night vanished; dawn broke--when he saw God - - smile - - Back like a homing-bird to God he flew. - - - - -THE MOON-MOTHER - - - - The world is a child who roams all day - - Through windswept meadows of gold and gray. - - - - The gold flowers fade; he foils to sleep, - - And night is his cradle wide and deep. - - - - The moon-mother creeps from behind God's throne - - And steals up the skies to protect her own. - - - - She leans her breast 'gainst his cradle-rim - - While her small star-children gaze down on him. - - - - Stars are his brothers; clouds his dreams; - - His mother's arms are the pale moon-beams. - - - - When meadows again grow gold and gray, - - He wakes from sleep and runs forth to play. - - - - But every night from behind God's throne - - The moon-mother steals to protect her own. - - - - -TO A YOUNG GIRL WHO SAID SHE WAS NOT BEAUTIFUL - - - - It's not her hair and it's not her feet, - - Nor the way she walks with her head held high; - - It's not because her eye-brows meet - - Like a bird's wings over a glimpse of sky; - - And it isn't her voice like April bloom - - Rustling through an orchard's gloom-- - - It's none of these; not her wide gray eye, - - Nor her crumpled mouth like a rose-bud red - - Round which the snows of the jasmine spread. - - - - Though her long white hands - - Are like lilies of Lent, - - Palely young and purely bent - - O'er her breast, where God stands, - - It's none of these. - - - - Flowers and trees - - With her to compare - - Are too little rare. - - - - Though the grass yearns up to touch her feet, - - She is loved for this--she is sweet, sweet, sweet. - - - - -HALLOWE'EN - - -_Hark to the patter of the rain, - - Voices of dead things come again: - - Feet that rustle the lush wet grass, - - Lips that mutter, "Alas! Alas!" - - And shadows that grope o'er my window-pane._ - - - - Poor outcast souls, you saw my light - - And thought that I, on such a night, - - Would pity take and bid you in - - To warm your hands, so palely thin, - - Before my fire which blazeth bright. - - - - You come from hells of ice-cold clay - - So pent that, striving every way, - - You may not stir the coffin-lid; - - And well you know that, if you did, - - Darkness would come and not the day. - - - - Darkness! With you 'tis ever dark; - - No joy of skyward-mounting lark - - Or blue of swallow on the wing - - Can penetrate and comfort bring - - You, where you lie all cramp'd and stark. - - - - Deep sunk beneath the secret mould, - - You hear the worm his length unfold - - And slime across your frail roof-plank, - - And tap, and vanish, like the rank - - Foul memory of a sin untold. - - - - And this your penance in the tomb: - - To weave upon the mind's swift loom - - White robes, to garb remorsefully - - A _Better Life_--which may not be - - Or, when it comes, may seal your doom. - - - - Thus, side by side, through all the year, - - Yet just apart, you wake and hear, - - As men on land the ocean's strum, - - Your Dead World's hushed delirium - - Which, sounding distant, yet is near. - - - - So near that, could he lean aside, - - The bridegroom well might touch his bride - - And reach her flesh, which once was fair, - - And, slow across the pale lips where - - He kissed her, feel his fingers glide. - - - - So distant, that he can but weep - - Whene'er she moans his name in sleep: - - A cold-grown star, with light all spent, - - She gropes the abyssmal firmament. - - He hears her surging in the Deep. - - - - Ever throughout the year 'tis thus - - Till drones the dream-toned Angelus - - Of Hallowe'en; then, underground, - - Unto dead ears its voice doth sound - - Like Christ's voice, crying, "_Lazarus_." - - - - Palsied with haste the dead men rise - - Groaning, because their unused eyes - - Can scarce endure Earth's blackest night; - - It wounds them as 'twere furious light - - And stars were flame-clouds in the skies. - - - - What tenderness and sad amaze - - Must grieve lost spirits when they gaze - - Beneath a withered moon, and view - - The ancient happiness they knew-- - - The live, sweet world and all its ways! - - - - Ho, Deadmen! for a night you're free - - Till Dawn leads back Captivity. - - To make your respite seem more dear - - Mutter throughout your joy this fear: - - - - "Who knows, within the coming year, - - That God, our gaoler, may not die; - - Then, who'll remember where we lief - - Who then will come to set us free f - - Through all the ages this may be - - Our final night of liberty." - - - - Aye, hoard your moments miserly. - - - - And yet .... and yet, it is His rain - - That drives against my window-pane. - - Oh, surely all Earth's dead have rest - - And stretch at peace in God's own breast, - - And never can return again! - - - - And yet . . . . - - - - -UNSEEN - - - - Oh mother, why are you weeping - - When aLl the world's asleeping? - - Rest ye, rest ye, mother, - - I am near, dear, near. - - Not beneath the moon-drenched grass - - Do I turn to hear you pass-- - - You would see me walk beside you, if your eyes - - saw dear. - - - - Oh mother, why are you crying? - - There was no loss in dying. - - Rest ye, rest ye, mother, - - Have no fear, no fear. - - Still long hangs my golden hair, - - But the body that I wear - - Treads more kindly and more lightly, could you - - hear, dear, hear. - - - - She has stayed her eyes from weeping; - - She is sleeping, sweetly sleeping. - - Rest ye, weary mother, - - I am here, dear, here. - - - - Now the dawn-wind fans her cheek, - - And she knows not that I speak-- - - But my arms are warm about her, could her eyes - - see clear. - - - - -WHY THEY LOVED HIM - - - - So kindly was His love to us, - - (We had not heard of love before), - - That all our life grew glorious - - When He had halted at our door. - - - - So meekly did He love us men, - - Though blind we were with shameful sin, - - He touched our eyes with tears, and then - - Led God's tall angels flaming in. - - - - He dwelt with us a little space, - - As mothers do in childhood's years; - - And still we can discern His face - - Wherever Joy or Love appears. - - - - He made our virtues all His own, - - And lent them grace we could not give; - - And now our world seems His alone, - - And while we live He seems to live. - - - - He took our sorrows and our pain, - - And hid their torture in His breast; - - Till we received them back again - - To find on each His grief impressed. - - - - He clasped our children in His arms, - - And showed us where their beauty shone; - - He took from us our gray alarms, - - And put Death's icy armor on. - - - - So gentle were His ways with us - - That crippled souls had ceased to sigh; - - On them He laid His hands, and thus - - They gloried at His passing by. - - - - Without reproof or word of blame, - - As mothers do in childhood's years, - - He kissed our lips, in spite of shame, - - And stayed the passage of our tears. - - - - So tender was His love to us, - - (We had not learnt to love before), - - That we grew like to Him, and thus - - Men sought His grace in us once more. - - - - April fields and England's flowers, - - English friends and April showers, - - April voices o'er the sea - - Calling, calling unto me: - - - - Oh, why tarry, why delay! - - Hither lies the meadow-way; - - No such meadows shalt thou see, - - Oh, come back to Arcady." - - - - Happy English Arcady - - Thou art calling, calling me - - Through thin flutes as frail as Pan - - Fingered, when long since he ran - - - - Careless as these foreign flowers, - - Trailing through these tropic bowers - - All their largess of gold leaf, - - Piling splendors sheaf on sheaf. - - - - Some there be who think Pan dead, - - Say his nymphs and flutings sped; - - I know better, I have seen - - Where his racing feet have been. - - - - Still I hear the dead god's voice-- - - England's; Had my soul the choice, - - It should wade through starry bloom - - Knee-deep to the brown-burnt broom. - - - - April fields and April flowers, - - April friends and April showers, - - England shouting o'er the sea, - - Calling, calling unto me. - - - - -CHILDISH TRAVELLING - - - - Ah, little child, as you lie in my breast, - - Leaning your hair of gold close to my face, - - Flushed in the gathering glow of the West, - - Where shall we travel--to what joyous place? - - Shall we refashion our castles in Spain, - - Or sail to the Indies with Sinbad again, - - Or noiselessly drift to where tired stars wane-- - - Shall it be Africa, Sinbad or Spain? - - Speak, little child, and together we'll go - - Back to the musical dreamlands we know. - - - - Dear little child, you have wandered to rest. - - While you are sleeping I wonder and think - - Where you will go, and what land will be best - - Treading for such baby feet, and I shrink. - - Should they be hillsides of laughing and song, - - Or gardens of mercy and righting of wrong, - - Of weeping, or triumph, or love growing strong, - - Journeys of shouting, of sorrow or song? - - I can but love you and kiss your gold hair, - - Happy in hoping that Christ may be there. - - - - -THE IVORY LATCH - - - - Rattle the Ivory Latch of Love - - And who will unbar the gate? - - Ask no questions, my dearest love, - - But wait--wait--wait. - - - - Ah, will she be haughty Isabeau, - - Pale Isodore, or Kate? - - _Hush, dearest dear, some day you'll know, - - Be not importunate._ - - - - Perchance I might love Isodore, - - I think I could love Kate; - - I have no fears for Isabeau - - Should she unbar the gate. - - _Perchance she may be Isabeau, - - Perhaps she will be Kate; - - But which, dear heart, you'll never know, - - Till you have learned to wait._ - - - - -THE ONCE SUNG SONG - - - - Christ along the Road to Fame, - - When all birds were singing, - - Pluck't white lilies as He came, - - Set the blue-bells ringing; - - Poppies flared in strident flame - - When they heard His singing. - - - - Further up the Road to Fame - - Birds grew still in sorrow; - - Though His feet were very lame - - Courage did He borrow, - - Singing as He onward came, - - Dreaming of the morrow. - - - - Crimsoned by the Road of Fame - - Christ passed sick and dying. - - Through the hedges, red with shame, - - Crippled men there lying, - - Seeing how He singing came, - - Marvelled at their sighing. - - - - Distant down the Road to Fame, - - When all else ceased singing, - - Messengers of music came-- - - Little echoes winging - - Withered hearts with wings of flame-- - - Fragments of Christ's singing. - - - - -SPRING - - - _Sing, sing, - - Spring and birth! - - A maid shall be mother of all the earth._ - - - - Winter's bones lie bare and bleak, - - Scattered white on the mountain peak. - - - - Through stark woods the Madonna Spring - - Glides with her unborn offering. - - - - Where she treads dead flowers stir - - And raise their heads to gaze after her, - - - - And trees make dense their boughs with green - - That her motherhood may not be seen. - - - - Summer lies hid 'neath her girlish breast; - - Till her babe is bom she shall find no rest. - - - - Yet is she glad in her wandering - - And weaves meek songs 'gainst her mothering. - - _Birth, birth, - - Lave and mirth! - - Spring is Madonna of all the earth_. - - - - -A LULLABY - - - - Son of God, thou little child - - O'er whose sleep the Virgin smiled, - - Guard us, though this night be wild, - - From Lilith--Lilith. - - - - Guard us, though our watch be slack, - - Guard us, though the night be black, - - Though this night all stars should lack - - From Lilith--Lilith. - - - - Stay her steps from drawing nigh, - - Kiss my baby lest he cry, - - And she hear him, and he die - - From Lilith--Lilith. - - - - Son of God, thou little child - - O'er whose sleep the Virgin smiled, - - May his soul be unbeguiled - - By Lilith--Lilith. - - - - -UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS - - - - Is there light of moon or sun - - In the land where thou hast gone? - - - - Does the rush of wind and rain - - Smite thy woodlands green again? - - - - Do dawn-birds rise up and sing, - - Sunrise. Sunrise," heralding? - - - - Dost thou fear, as once, the stark - - Hours of panther-footed dark? - - - - Oh, little maiden, sweetly frail, - - Naught can these empty words avail. - - - - For thee I clasp God's mantle fast, - - Praying till night is overpast. - - - - -THE HILL-TOWER - - -_A ROMANCE_ - - - - _"Bianca of the yellow hair, - - With witch-face white as ivory, - - Yield to our might that we may bear - - Thy body back to Rimini."_ - - - - And thus the foemen cried all day - - And strove to daunt with fierce display - - Of armoured strength her maiden heart, - - So that with them she might depart - - From out that hill-tower where with three - - She'd held the pass right fearlessly-- - - So that with them she might depart - - To shameful death in Rimini. - - - - Bianca, child of Abramo - - The despot lord of Reggio, - - Had set our country-side on flame - - With the binning torch of her beauty's fame, - - And a deadman's hate of her deadly name. - - For she had gazed with cold gray eyes - - On Rufo--he now starkly lies - - Deep in a sculptured sepulchre, - - Smitten with death through love of her. - - Rufo, the heir of Ugo Count - - Qf Rimini and vast amount - - Of warrior-men and chivalry, - - Had come to claim her haughtily; - - But had scorched his soul in her golden hair. - - As a wounded beast creeps to his lair, - - So he vilely died by slow degrees - - Of heart-break and a sore disease, - - Till his eyes grew glazed and ceased to stir, - - And his life gave out for his love of her. - - - - Then Ugo swore a mighty oath, - - By God's own Christ and by Christ's truth, - - Though I go unarmed and go alone, - - For my son's death she shall atone. - - I'll take this witch of Reggio - - And through the flames will make her go, - - Till her sweet red lips grow cracked and sere, - - Till her eyes are scarred and mad with fear, - - Till her false young tongue cannot speak love's - - name, - - Till her tender feet drop off with flame-- - - Till she hath naught left that men desire - - She shall pass and pass through consuming fire." - - - - This was the oath which he did swear - - When he cursed her face in his hate of her. - - - - So Ugo rode on Reggio - - And called on the name of Abramo, - - Claiming the body of her who wrought - - Love's enchantments and made distraught - - The souls of the lovers who came to her, - - And told of the oath which he did swear. - - They bade him stand without the wall - - And bore his tidings to the hall. - - From early mom he stood till eve, - - And still no message did receive. - - When night was falling, dusk and dim, - - A city harlot drew nigh to him - - And grayly glimmered along the wall, - - And stopped where the Count was standing tall. - - What news," he cried, "from Abramo, - - Must I raze this city of Reggio?" - - - - He reared his plume to its towering height. - - She leaned far out in the waning light. - - He clutched with one hand his saddle-bow - - And saw her smile when she answered, "No," - - And spat on his face and strained down on - - him. - - - - He rode away 'neath the crescent rim - - Of a new-made moon through an olive-grove, - - And evil passions within him strove; - - In anger he gained the shining sea - - Which silvers the shores of Rimini. - - There he made great stir and called out his men, - - And marshalled their ranks on a level fen, - - And clothed them in black and gave beside - - His knights black stallions which to ride, - - And ordered no singing. "For," said he, - - We mourn one dead in Rimini." - - - - Over the hills he caused to go - - His sombre ranks to Reggio; - - Through pleasant valleys and dew-drenched woods - - His horsemen paced in their sable hoods - - With no shrill of bugle or revelry, - - Like angels of Death's dread company. - - At night they stole to the dty-wall - - And clustered beneath the ramparts tall; - - And hearkened for noise of warlike din, - - And found no breath of strife within; - - And watched for lights in the houses' eyes, - - And saw but the stars within the skies. - - Then as one voice they raised the shout, - - The echo eddied their cry about, - - We call on you men of Reggio - - To give us the daughter of Abramo, - - That she pass and pass through consuming fire - - Till she hath naught left that men desire. - - Give us the daughter of Abramo." - - - - Swift and dread, dark-robed and dim, - - Like thunder about a crater's brim, - - They surged round the city at dead of night - - And chased their shadows in stately flight, - - And swept the circle with beating hoof, - - And flashed their blades on high as proof - - Of the hate they had; nor ceased to moan - - Like men long dead 'neath the charnel-stone, - - Give us the daughter of Abramo." - - - - The dawn was groping up the sky, - - An early bird was heard to cry; - - Forth from the gate with haunted eyes - - Four figures crept in leper's guise, - - And two had long and yellow hair - - And none had face or body bare. - - Swiftly they ran from tree to tree - - And wound their way all secretly - - Through gloom and grove to the rising sun, - - And through that day did onward run - - Till evening came, and they drew at length - - To the lonely might and granite strength - - Of the hill-tower in the narrow pass - - Where refuge and a safety was. - - Then did they lock and bar the door - - And armed themselves, for they knew before - - Another moon should flood the sky - - They would hear Count Ugo's hunting cry, - - Yield to us, daughter of Abramo." - - - - Two frail maids, two boyish men, - - Lovers all in the good days when - - Only the sun was in the sky - - Nor clouds of grief came trailing by; - - Two brave maids and two brave men - - Now, in an hour of darkness, when - - Only the clouds were in the sky - - Loved more dearly than formerly. - - Corrado, page of Bianca's court, - - Had loved his mistress and long had sought - - To speak his heart but feared, for he - - Was a love-child owned of no family. - - Celia was her half-sister, - - Wondrous sweet and like to her, - - So like that she had fled lest she - - For Bianca's self should mistaken be. - - - - Ciro, son of a noble name, - - Loved this girl, therefore he came - - To give his life, if need should be, - - He loved her life so utterly. - - Oft in the hush of a summer's night - - When earth has rest from the savage might - - Of flaming suns, and starlight sheds - - Kindness of dew on flowers' heads, - - And birds have got them away to rest, - - These lads had whispered breast to breast - - Of the joy they felt and happy thrills - - When they heard so much as the shaken frills - - Of these they loved in the passing by; - - And then, betwixt a sob and sigh, - - Had dreamed of a day when they should wed. - - Vain dream! Vain dream! now here, instead, - - With Bianca fled to the hill-side tower - - They should strain and hearken hour by hour, - - With clutching hands and bated breath, - - For man's last bride--the Woman, Death. - - - - And thus they sat a lengthy while - - Till one face lit with a wandering smile: - - Come now, my lords," Bianca said, - - Why sit ye heavy-eyed and sad? - - Men say ye each have loved a maid; - - Surely, I think, I should be glad - - To draw so near for an hour or two - - The maid I loved, though well I knew - - The early mom should find me dead." - - - - Then he who loved her, laughed and said, - - Yea, lady mine, I will be bold - - Too long my love hath lain untold; - - Yet mine was not an unshared sorrow - - But grief for thine and thy sad to-morrow - - If my lord, thy father, fail to send - - His cavalry." - - - - 'God will defend - - His maid," she said, "God will provide. - - But, if to Rimini I ride, - - I shall be glad recalling this, - - That thou did'st not withhold thy kiss - - When all my loves had forsaken me." - - - - Aye love, brief love, sweet love," sighed he, - - Thou art more than life--far more, far more." - - - - So through that night, by the fast-locked door, - - They spake of lové till they drooped to sleep, - - Nor heard at dawn the wary creep - - Of one who traced the outer-wall, - - And found the marks of their foot-fall. - - - - When mists were lifting off the sky - - They sprang from dreams at a sudden cry, - - And gazed with startled eyes around: - - "'Tis naught," they laughed, "'twas a country - - sound-- - - A late-awakened bird did call, - - A wind blew through the water-fall. - - 'Tis naught--'tis naught." - - But afar they heard - - A wail not made by beast or bird; - - A hungry moan, long-drawn and low, - - "Give us the daughter of Abramo." - - - - She stretched her arms along the wall - - And leant aside as she would fall, - - And cowered low 'neath her yellow hair - - As though its weight were too much to bear. - - And, "Oh, sweet God, dear God," she cried, - - Hark how they come! They ride, they ride! - - What ill have I ever done to Thee - - That men should bum my fair body? - - Stoop from Thy skies and succour me." - - - - "Yea, God hath stooped. Fear not, dear heart, - - For I and Ciro will play God's part, - - And Celia sweet shall comfort thee - - While we brand these dogs of Rimini." - - - - With hurried feet they clomb the stair - - And quickly gained the outer air, - - And ghostly saw through the morning haze - - The winding funeral arrays - - Of Ugo's knights and warrior-men. - - Dumbly they watched, and heard often - - Their hunting cry borne down the breeze. - - Corrado laughed with an ugly ease, - - And thus it is he comes with these: - - Strong stallions, lances, Genoese-- - - To take one slim and fragrant girl! - - Oh, Ciro mine, our hands shall hurl - - These valiant fighters from the wall, - - Though we be lads and they be tall. - - If God there be above us all, - - Then love shall give us strength this day." - - - - Down on the stones they kneeled to pray - - That He who brought their lives to be - - Should crown their loves with victory. - - They rose and flew their heraldry: - - An evening star, a saffron sea, - - And on the sea, the star below, - - The dry-shod pard of Reggio. - - - - No answer made the sable foe, - - But round the tower, with footsteps slow, - - Paced till his journeys numbered three; - - Then from the host one silently, - - Thrust on a spear for mockery, - - And raised the head of Abramo. - - Swift round the tower in mirthless rout - - They raced and tossed the words about, - - _"Bianca of the yellow hair, - - With witch-face white as ivory, - - Yield to our might that we may bear - - Thy body back to Rimini,_" - - 'Twas thus the foemen cried all day - - And strove to daunt with fierce display - - Of armoured strength her maiden heart, - - So that with them she might depart - - To shameful death in Rimini. - - - - Bianca, in the vault below, - - Crouched at her prayers and did not know - - This death, and of her father's shame; - - But heard their shouts and heard her name. - - Oh, little hands," she softly sighed, - - Wherefore should ye be crucified, - - What have ye done that men should see - - Naught in your grace, save witchery? - - Oh, yellow hair, so like the sun, - - What is this sin that thou hast done - - That men should have such hate of thee? - - And sweet grave face of ivory, - - So made for love and for desire, - - Why should they crave thee for the fire? - - Fire of love was meant for thee." - - - - Her sister bent and kissed the hands - - Which hung straight down like two white wands, - - And hid her lips in a yellow tress, - - And kissed the breasts where they met the dress, - - And laid her cheek on the weary face - - To wipe away each tear's distress, - - To cleanse of grief each grievous place. - - And this for thee," she said and kissed. - - And this for thee," and held each wrist. - - And this for thee," and met the lips. - - As priest in sacred water dips - - His hand at last confessional - - To purge each thoroughfare of sense - - And bring again lost innocence, - - So she made pure and perfect all. - - Shrill through their peace shrieked the battle- - - call, - - Per Jesum Christum! Reggio! - - Have at them Death! They fall, they fall!" - - And hoarse, hard-breathed, the wall below, - - Surged up the wrath of the hungry foe, - - Give USs the daughter of Abramo." - - - - Fierce through that day the struggle went, - - And blood was spilt and swords were bent. - - The sun sank bloody in the West; - - The day died bitter and unblest. - - The mountains strained against the sky - - And angrily, as they would try - - To wrench from earth their trampled gowns. - - An eagle o'er the upland downs - - Hung poised, then beat his wings, as he - - Refused to share man's cruelty. - - At nightfall, when the host withdrew, - - A spearman, whom they counted dead, - - In dying strength raised up his head - - And sped a poisoned dart, which slew - - Ciro, who from the tower's height - - Leaned out to watch the evening light. - - And thus of four there remained but three. - - - - Celia clomb the winding stair - - And thought of how her yellow hair - - Could save the three, if she should dare - - To yield herself to Rimini. - - For I am very like to her," - - She said, "so like that if I were - - To feign myself for my sister - - By night--this night if I should go, - - I think the Count would never know - - Till they were safe and I was burned." - - The last bend in the stair she turned - - And halted as she gained the roof, - - And stretched her gaze abroad for proof - - Of where her lover might keep guard. - - There, where a shafted moonbeam barred - - An alcove of gray masonry, - - His face shone out, so tranquilly - - She thought him sleeping; but his eyes - - Were wide, intent on her and wise - - Beyond the sight of living men. - - Softly she called to him and, when - - He answered not, 'twas then she knew. . . - - She kissed his forehead, and withdrew - - Her tired feet adown the stair. - - Bianca kneeled entranced in prayer - - And noticed not her passing by, - - But counted fast her rosaRy. - - Corrado, touched upon the arm, - - Reeled as he turned in fierce alarm. - - She said, "We change the watch this hour. - - I will abide; guard you the tower." - - Then, as he set his foot to go, - - Kiss me, dear friend, for you must know - - We may not ever meet again, - - This war has brought us so much pain." - - He gazed on her a tender while, - - And wondered at the gracious smile - - Around her lips. "While we are four," - - He said, "we need not fear this war; - - Love is more than life ... far more, far more." - - She answered, "Not while we are four." - - Ah, have no fear at all," he said; - - "She prays for us, see how her head - - Is bowed in reverence to God." - - He took his sword and clanking trod - - The stone-paved vault and winding stair, - - Till she could judge him mounting where - - Another turn would bring to sight - - Her dead love's face in the shafted light - - Where the moonbeam washed the turret white. - - She bared her feet and crept the floor, - - With eager hands wrenched loose the door, - - And weeping passed into the night. - - The dawn thrust up a wild white face - - And stared toward the lonely place, - - Where through the vigil, hour by hour, - - Corrado guarded well the tower. - - It seemed his own reflected face, - - So wannish and so wide of eye; - - The lips moved and he caught their sigh, - - I am thyself and I must die." - - Thus did he learn the uttermost, - - The live man meeting his own ghost, - - And knew that surely he must die. - - The sun flashed up; the face was fled. - - By night he knew he must be dead. - - He leaned beyond the parapet - - To scan the rocky pass if yet - - Some help might wind around the hill. - - The morning air was very still; - - He heard the noise of climbing feet, - - Of something dragged across the peat, - - And saw two knights who, drawing near, - - Bore that which clogged his heart with fear-- - - A white gown, sown with golden threads - - Which held the light as do the meads - - When dandelions toss their heads - - Mid meadow-sweet and field-clover, - - Which poppy-leaves drift red over-- - - A long white gown and smirched with red, - - And hands so still, they must be dead. - - They laid her on a grass-grown bank - - And loosed about her neck the stole, - - So that her gold hair round her sank - - To frame a burning aureole.- - - How now, ye dogs of Rimini, - - What crime is this that ye have done - - To show to God's new-risen sun, - - Which he will tell God secretly?" - - - - And one in shame drew back a pace, - - And one raised up his vizored face, - - No crime, Sir Knave. God's work, I trow. - - Give us the witch, and we will go-- - - The match to this, from Reggio." - - - - We have no witch, as well ye know." - - But, as he spake, he heard with pain - - Their scornful laugh. - - - - To make things plain, - - The black knight pitched his voice and said - - And pointed, "Ho sir, turn your head; - - The witch stands by you even now." - - The world across his eyes and brow - - Streamed scarlet. By his side she stood, - - Her eyes bent on a distant wood - - Wherein the shadows came and went, - - Where horsemen from their stallions leant - - All eager for the bugle cry. - - We fight in vain," he heard her sigh, - - God wills it thus, that I should die." - - - - Nay, courage, sweetheart, while I stand - - With strength to grasp a sword in hand - - No harm shall come thee nigh nor by." - - But she had seen that on the hill - - Which made her moan, so that she still - - Kept looking and, "Oh, Christ," she sobbed, - - What is that thing so palely robed?" - - Her shadow slid throughout the space - - Until it reached across the face - - Of that dead maid, until their lips - - Strained to the kiss, their finger-tips - - Met at the touch. - - - - The enemy - - Shouted, "A witch, yea, verily, - - See how her shade feeds on the dead." - - Oh, I must go to her," she said: - - She sleeps alone, alone, alone." - - Her thin hands grazed against the stone, - - So blindly did she walk, her throat - - Stretched back, her hair far out did float - - Like sun-clouds following the sun. - - He followed her, passed down the stair, - - On through the vault and halted where - - She paused to swing the iron door; - - Then, out upon the trampled moor. - - There, where the dead girl lay, she knelt - - And made of her fair arms a belt - - Around the corse; there, with her hair, - - Wiped clean the face of earth and blood; - - There, with her mouth, rebuked the stare - - Of those strange eyes; last, made all good - - By placing in the hands for rood - - That which she pluck't from out the breast. - - They watched if God should stand the test. - - Ah, see," she cried, "God is awake, - - The dagger's bloodstains weep and make - - Large tears of red: the metal bleeds!" - - If Lord God is awake and heeds, - - He must heed quickly." So he said, - - For wading up the river-bed, - - Half-hid between its tree-topped banks, - - He caught the gleam of horses' flanks - - And, mingled with the water's flow, - - The low-breathed panting of the foe. - - Yea, God doth heed, and even now - - His finger burns across each brow - - His final lettering of doom: - - Not one of these beyond Hell's gloom - - Shall thrive to win a Heavenly home." - - The words fell so remote and meek - - She seemed not her own self to speak, - - But with her eyes to voice the spell - - Which should bring true the oracle. - - - - He caught her hand. "Come quick," - - cried, - - Come back, dear heart! See where they ride - - With sword in hand across the grass - - To thwart us, so we may not pass - - Within the tower-gate." - - - - "Too late," - - She said: "We may not win the gate. - - Yet now, true friend, though I must burn - - At Rimini, time is to learn - - One little lesson more of love: - - What would you?" - - - "That I die your knight." - - Eh, truly?" So she held above - - And touched him with his jagged sword, - - And whispered low the crowning word - - Which flooded all his face with light. - - He said, "I shall not fear to die." - - She raised him, smiling wondrously, - - Nor I to ride to Rimini, - - When you have died my knight." - - - - Twelve lancers circled into sight. - - Count Ugo gallopped through the green - - And laughed at that which he had seen. - - And yet one lover more?" scoffed he, - - God's death, you use them royally; - - Maids grow less bold in Rimini." - - My only lover and my last," - - She said. He scowled and caught her fast, - - Twisting his steel-glove in her hair, - - Jerked back her head, her eyes on him, - - So that her throat and breasts shone bare - - Above her corset's jewelled rim. - - Too good for fuel," he hissed, "too fair; - - Yet those pale cheeks, this yellow hair, - - Were not too good to deal out death. - - Eh? Hark to what the vixen saith, - - 'She did not sin, nor meant to kill.' - - My son lies dead, say what you will; - - Lies dead because of you, you witch, - - While leprous things in our town's ditch - - Crawl, mate, and spawn beneath God's sky; - - Therefore. . . - - - - He raised his hand on high - - As he would smite her upturned face. - - A sword leapt flashing down through space - - And lopt the coward at the joint. - - Corrado on his blade's red point - - Pricked up the hand, "Tis thus we use - - Our dastard knights, whose hands abuse - - Our womenfolk in Reggio." - - - - The thunder rumbled long and low. - - Oh hark," she cried, "God is awake; - - He walks communing for our sake." - - - - Yea, He hath sent me here to take - - Your wilful body to the fire, - - Till all is marred that men desire. - - Slay me that boy," Count Ugo said. - - One, who stood near, smote off his head. - - She hid her eyes so as not to see, - - Shuddered, swung round convulsively, - - Stooped as a broken lily dips - - To kiss the water--kissed his lips; - - Then dumbly rode to Rimini. - - - - And every pace the march along - - The hunters sang their hunting song, - - - _" Bianca of the yellow hair, - - With witch-face white as ivory, - - Thy tender body back we bear - - To die the death in Rimini."_ - - Within the lands of rising night - - And fields of departing day, - - What hours we wandered, you and I, - - How fain were we to stay! - - Star-flowers were in your maiden hands-- - - The stars were white with May. - - - - Between moon-set and morning sun - - Where mist of the Dreamland lies, - - What glory there was yours and mine, - - What love was in our eyes! - - For Sleep and Love walk hand-in-hand, - - And Sleep with morning flies. - - - - Our star-lit land was wholly ours, - - No warning of beast or bird - - Perturbed the twilight of our peace, - - No watchers' tread was heard; - - We dwelt alone and loved alone, - - Naught save our lips was stirred. - - - - Would that this holiest mystery - - Might come again to me! - - The radiance of thy moon-lit face, - - The eyes of purity-- - - The wide gray eyes, the beckoning lips, - - The silent cloudland sea. - - - - -DAYBREAK - - - - In frenzied haste, by legioned shadows pressed, - - The Chariot of Charity in flight - - Glittered along the Parapet of Night, - - With wheels of gold fast whirling to the West. - - - - Bridging with flame the barricaded Deep, - - It strove with sparking hoof and spangled heat, - - Where those twin rivers, Death and Life, retreat, - - And surge across the Agony of Sleep. - - - - I, to my casement, stark with horror crept; - - Day tottered tall, and breathed a shuddering - - breath: - - Wading, knee-deep, the turgid fords of Death, - - He clomb the cloven cliff of Dawn--and leapt. - - - - A hand of ivory caught up the rein; - - The Chariot rolled back superb again. - - - - -HOME - - - - We shall not always dwell as now we dwell, - - Together 'neath one home-protecting roof. - - For some of us our lives may not go well: - 'Gainst such small perils courage will be proof, - 'Gainst stronger ills these memories may be proof; - - To some of us this life may say farewell-- - - We cannot always dwell as now we dwell. - - - - What though we dwell not then as now we dwell? - - Hearts can recover hearts, when hearts are fain; - - While love stays with us everything is well; - - The roof of love is proof against the rain, - - Dead hands will guard our hearts against the rain-- - - Love will abide when all have said farewell: - - Our hearts may ever dwell as now they dwell. - - - - -VANISHED LOVE - - - - When my love was nigh me - - Naught had I to say: - - Then I feigned a false love-- - - And turned my lips away. - - - - When my love lay dying, - - Sorrowing I said, - - 'Soon shall I wear scarlet, - - Because my love is dead.' - - - - When my love had vanished, - - Then was nothing said: - - I forgot the scarlet - - For tears--and bowed my head. - - - - -THALATTA! THALATTA! - - - - Not with a cry, nor with the stifled sound - - Of one who 'neath Death's billows of Despair - - Thrusts up blue lips toward the outer air, - - Searching if any breathing may be found; - - Who plucks with groping finger-tips to rend - - The water's edges for a fraction's space, - - Through which he may push up his haggard face - - For one last look--the last before the end. - - - - As a broad river, having journeyed far - - Constrained by banks--too often fretfully-- - - 'Neath a full moon goes rocking out to sea - - Sombred by night, cheered by a rising star, - - So may my days move murmurously to rest, - - Throbbed through with Death who knew Life's - - sorrows best. - - - - -TO ENGLAND'S GREATEST SATIRIST - - - - Untriend to man and darkly passionate, - - Sneering in solitude, wide-winged for flight - - Lest one, from all our world, should read thee right - - And pity thee thy self-lured madman's fate, - - Why did'st thou strive so well to tempt our hate? - - Are we not comrades through the self-same night? - - The Caravan of Kindness, out of sight, - - We also follow--and arrive o'erlate. - - Thou, having failed thy Heaven, did'st scoff in - - Hell. - - Fiercely disguising, too much thou did'st dare; - - We caught the jangle of the cap and bell, - - And seeking, saw a quivering heart laid bare - - When thou wast dead--a sequel which did spell - - The pangs of love--"only a woman's hair." - - -[_N. B. "In a note in his biography, Scott says that his friend, -Doctor Tuke of Dublin, has a lock of Stella's hair, enclosed in -a paper by Swift, on which are written, in the Dean's hand, -the words: 'Only a woman's hair.' An instance, says Scott, -of the Dean's desire to veil his feelings under the mask of -cynical indifference."--Thackeray in his Essay on Dean Swift._] - - - - Years hence we two--I who wept yesterday, - - You who with death-chilled hands unheeding lay-- - - Gazing from Heaven adown the sky's wild face, - - Seeing this pigmy planet churning space, - - Do you remember?" then we two shall say, - - Quite in the dear old-fashioned worldly way, - - Do you remember, in a former age, - - What happened in that girdled finite cage?" - - - - And you, through joy having forgot your pain, - - Laughing will shake your head and rack your brain, - - Clasping my hand and thinking all in vain. - - No," you will say, "it is a distant way - - From grief to God; my memories go astray." - - - - Then, I, staring athwart the jewelled pit - - Which God hath dug between the infinite - - And the great little loss of death's decay, - - Will tell you all that happened yesterday. - - Don't you recall, dear, how the fierce blow came? - - Earth was at Spring-tide, all the fields aflame; - - - - Hope was just freed from Winter's servitude - - And songsters through the tree-tops he had strewed, - - And promises of greenness in the wood, - - While you, dear, grew in grace to womanhood." - - Then you: "I would remember if I could, - - But all is vague. Faint, like a far off strain, - - I catch the rustle of field-flowers again - - And hear the muffled skirmish of the rain." - - - - Don't you recall, dear, anything of pain?" - - - - Nothing," you whisper. - - - - Then I tell to you - - How in a week from life to death you grew, - - Your spirit yearning Godward, as did fail - - The strength of your white body, lily-pale; - - How through long nights and seven too brief - - days - - I held you fast, and flattered God with praise, - - Calling Him every kind endearing name, - - Hoping my love would fill His heart with shame - - Of doing that deed which He meant to do. - - - - What happened?" - - - - God was wise and He took you." - - - - Strange!" - - - "Ah yes, dearest, human loves are strange; - - Change seems so final in a world of change. - - - - Through the last night I watched your fluttering - - breath, - - Desperate lest the unseen hand of Death - - Should touch you, still you e'er I was aware, - - Leaving me nothing save your golden hair - - And the wide doors of an abandoned place, - - And the wise smiling of your quiet face-- - - The perishable chalice of your grace. - - - - "'In Heaven they all are serious,' so you said - - In your delirium. You shake your head, - - Denying what I surely heard you say. - - Since then you've seen the boys and girls at - - play - - Climbing the knees of God. - - - - "Listen again. - - Far out across the gulf you see a stain-- - - Follow my hand--a smudge, a blur of gray; - - That is the world. Though you forget the day, - - We lived there once, suffered, had joy, laughed, - - loved, - - And in sweet worship of each other moved. - - - - Then you fell sick and, while I held your hand, - - One took you .... - - - "Ah, you do not understand! - - Only field-flowers you remember well. - - This seems an idle fable that I tell; - - Then never trouble, dear; forget the pain. - - See, here comes God; perhaps He will explain." - - - - -IN THE GLAD MONTH OF MAY - - - - In the glad month of May, - - When morning was breaking, - - She rose from her body - - And vanished away. - - - - From a tree cloaked in gray - - A shrill bird kept calling, - - "Come quick. God is waiting. - - He cannot delay." - - - - We had no heart to pray, - - But, seeing her glory, - - Said, "Go, little sister; - - God needs you to-day." - - - - Very stilly she lay: - - The bird had ceased calling-- - - We let in the morning - - And kissed her dear clay. - - - - -THE LILIES BLOOM - - - - The lilies bloom above her head - - All unaware that she is dead. - - - - The small brown birds, with folded wing, - - Do not one whit less blithely sing. - - - - The sun goes on his usual round, - - Seeking die quiet she has found. - - - - And God looks down on everything, - - And that is why the small birds sing. - - - - -HERE, SWEET, WE LAY - - - - Here, sweet, we lay - - Thy sorrow and pain, - - Earth will resolve them to gladness again. - - - - Lily-white hands - - To lilies shall grow; - - Breath of thy body in breezes shall blow. - - - - Languor and grief, - - These Death could slay; - - God took the portion which cannot decay. - - - - Thou hast thy joy, - - We have thy pain; - - Flame of a soul I shall know thee again. - - - - -OUT OF THE BLACKNESS - - - - Out of the blackness into the light, - - From birth to death--a swallow's flight. - - - - Stars burning fainter, onward we strive. - - Cauldron of dawn! The East's alive. - - - - Joy in the journey, joy at the last; - - Day in its splendour--darkness past! - - - - In life's beginning clouds to be trod; - - At its brave ending, sunrise--God. - - - - From the veiled Hereafter - - Whither you have fled, - - Snatches of your laughter - - Vaguely wed - - With rustling of field-flowers, - - Angel-stirred, - - Guarded by God's towers, - - I have heard. - - - - God, in His compassion, - - Left Death's gate ajar - - So our faith might fashion - - Where you are; - - God's Mother walks beside you, - - Hand-in-hand, - - And Lord Christ doth guide you, - - Through that Land. - - - - -IF GOD SHOULD COME - - - - If God should come to me and say, - - Your little maiden, whom I took away - - But yesterday, - - I will give back to you again, - - If so you say, when you have seen the pain - - I did refrain - - In love from letting her endure. - - I knew death's surgery the only cure - - For one so pure. - - Joy in my breast is sure." - - - - Then should He show me all the way, - - Weary at whiles, her feet must stray, - - Had He decreed her death's delay, - - How should I choose? What should I say? - - - - -A NEW TENANT - - - - I watched for her in the night, - - I watched for her in the day-- - - But how could I hope to find her - - When her body had gone away? - - - - I spoke to her in the rooms - - Where she had been wont to play-- - - But how could my dearest answer - - When her body had gone away? - - - - I searched for her in my heart, - - And when it unfroze to pray, - - I knew that we shared one mortal house - - Since hers had resolved to clay. - - - - -LIFE WITHOUT THEE - - - - Life without thee would be, dearest, - - Eyes without sight; - - Death, if thou stood'st not nearest, - - Night without light. - - - - Since thou Death's token wearest, - - Freedom from strife, - - This I have learnt, my dearest, - - Death's name is Life. - - - - -ANSWERED PRAYER - - - - We prayed that unto you, dear, - - God's best gifts might be given; - - We wished to strew for you, dear, - - Earth's paths with Heaven. - - - - We planned your life a May-day - - When young flowers should be bom, - - That you might stray the smooth way - - Of gold-robed Morn. - - - - We dared more than we knew, dear; - - When half God's gifts were given, - - He answered all our prayers, dear-- - - He gave you Heaven. - - - - The shepherd is dead men tell me, - - He died upon a tree - - When Springtide was befalling - - Field-flowers in Galilee; - - But whenever the wind is blowing - - Straight out from the East or West, - - I can hear his brave voice calling, - - "Come after me. Come after me. - - Rise up, rise up and follow me-- - - I am Christ, thy rest." - - - - Then, rising I quickly gird me, - - For wherever Christ may be, - - The land where he is staying - - He turns to Galilee; - - Through whose vales when the wind is blowing - - From meadows his feet have blest, - - He aye calls to his loved ones saying, - - Come after me. Come after me. - - Rise up, rise up and follow me-- - - Where I am, is rest." - - - - I seek him in every day, - - I travel land and sea - - From dawn till dusk is falling - - And God hangs lamps for me. - - But whenever the wind is blowing, - 'Tis then that I find him best; - - For I hear his brave voice calling, - - In seeking me, thou followest me; - - Then where thou art is Galilee, - - And I am--thy rest." - - - - -IN BEDLAM - - - - Lord, there is music in my world to-day. - - For this I thank Thee; once again I hear - - The foamy clash of cymbals and the grave - - Hoarse-throated shout of brass which is repulsed, - - And the clear triumph of unvanquished pipes-- - - Battles against stringed instruments and fifes - - Which angels wage from organ-stops in Heaven. - - I, through the hostile grating of my cell, - - Can tiptoe just discern where warrior clouds - - Chum smoking broken waters in their wakes, - - Which unseen challengers, the winds, do chase, - - Drowning their anger to a tranquil depth, - - Till in blue sky-weed unrevenged they lie - - Like gaunt Armada galleons long since sunk. - - So all is calm again, and I look out - - With prison'd eyes upon Thy travelling world. - - - - A breath of flowers is in the air to-day, - - Spring flowers which have not bloomed for many - - months, - - Which, for my sake, have come to life this day. - - I cannot see them, they grow far from here - - - With feet entangled in the green, gray earth. - - They too are prisoners from their earliest birth, - - Yet they have flung their fragrance forth to me - - That I, a captive mind, may share their joy. - - - - Now, as I listen, laughter dies away; - - In Earth's tall tree-tops, dim and out of sight, - - I hear the mining beak of one small bird, - - Striving for freedom with its puny strength. - - Now the shell breaks; it struggles into life; - - Its mother's wings enfold it; it is safe. - - Far down beneath the nest the forest sighs, - - Swaying its branches, as it too would say, - - _"I will protect thee from the driving rain, - - My leaves shall cover thee, so have no dread_" - - I also in my ruined strength would pray, - - "_God grant thee rest, and shelter thee from fear_" - - If I should live the seasons round again - - And God vouchsafe me one more summer's day - - Of utter peace, perchance thy voice I'll hear - - Trilling in confidence from some cool glade-- - - And thus my madman's prayer will be repaid. - - - - Laughter breaks forth again; the world is glad. - - There's music in the very rocks to-day. - - Yea, through my sullen bars the red sun peers - - And stains my confines with his golden smile; - - God shakes His happiness abroad to-day. - - See, I will rake this yellow harvest home - - And treasure it against a sadder hour, - - When Winter's mantled all our stars in night. - - When that shall be, I'll paint my walls with gold, - - Loosen my breast and let the sun's rays free, - - Re-capture them and hoard them up again; - - And so will halt the summer at its prime. - - - - Lord, I am mad; but Thou canst heal my mind. - - Once, not long since--long after Thou hadst made - - And bastioned with grace my living soul-- - - Thou, in a careless hour, didst plan my frame, - - Moulding my body from the oozy day; - - But, just before Thy task was most complete, - - Didst nod, and drowse, and waking didst forget - - Thy task unfinished--so was I bom mad; - - So was my perfect soul a bondsman made - - To serve vile lusts of my imperfect brain. - - Hast Thou to-day remembered Thy mistake? - - This mom I wakened, found that I was sane, - - Beheld the East as no unchartered dread - - Threat'ning the world with universal fire, - - But as Thy kindness held aloft for men; - - Then craned I forth my hands to dutch Thy winds, - - Nor shrank from them as fore-runners of Death. - - - - Father, before the Darkness falls again, - - Before my soul wends backward to the Night, - - Grant unto me Thy earliest gift to Man, - - Form me in image godlike to Thyself. - - - - Is it beyond Thy power to make me well? - - Thou weakling God! then send me down Thy - - Christ, - - He whose strong pity hath dethroned Thy might, - - And made a man a worthier god than Thou: - - For he in peasant lands of Galilee - - Did love, and love, and love till his heart brake; - - He took away the anguish of men's pain - - By spending all their pain on his own life; - - He drove away the shadows from men's minds - - By giving them himself, who was the Light. - - - - Ah Christ, that thou hadst not been crucified! - - Wert thou still living by the fishers' lake, - - Then thou hadst heard me half across the world; - - Though from the Andes, I had cried to thee, - - Still hadst thou heard, and come from Palestine - - Only to stretch thy cooling hands on me, - - Only to rest thy cooling hands in mine-- - - Those gentle hands, by bleeding feet borne thence. - - - - -A SONG OF IGNOBLE EASE - - - - When Pleasure's found, - - Away with the tear; - - Grief's a starved hound, - - Pursued by lean Fear. - - - - Life is a round - - Of languor and pain; - - When Joy is found, - - Go forth not again. - - - - Music's a sound - - Which guides men to rest; - - Love is the bound - - That ends every quest. - - - - Lie down to rest, - - Slay fragile Pain, - - Vanquish lean Fear, - - Away with the Tear. - - - - Finish thy quest - - And strive not again. - - - - Sick I had been, and very sore afraid, - - Baffled of life, and lost to every hope, - - Hounded by dread, pursued and left dismayed - - Standing alone, abandoned and afraid. - - - - Then did I ask, "What now is left to say? - - Why should I question? Wherefore should I - - strive? - - Man was made thus, to fail and creep away; - - Thus was Man made, and there is naught to say." - - - - Oh, I was weak, and blind with too much pain, - - Bankrupt and blind, all feeble in my tread; - - Would I might touch one friendly hand again-- - - Find love to rid me of this too much pain." - - - - I spoke in fear, and knew not what I said, - - Thought not of anguish hands of love must share, - - Lonely I was, because my hope was dead, - - Yearning and sad. I knew not what I said. - - - - Then did One come who laid His hands in mine, - - One who did kiss my poor unseeing eyes, - - Tenderly led to where the stars do shine, - - Speaking kind words, He placed His hands in mine. - - - - There did I see the trees go riding by - - Moved by the wind, and heard the nightingale - - Carol and slur, and sing, and sob, and sigh, - - Wing-mounted moths, and angels riding by. - - - - Then did I seek to see the healing friend; - - But He had vanished. I was left alone. - - There, where He stood, my body I did bend, - - Weeping in prayer, to Him my healing friend. - - - - -A WISH FOR HER - - - - Peace unto thee - - Wherever thou art, - - Childlike companion, - - Friend of my heart. - - - - Joy unto thee - - Dear image of God; - - Flowers are blowing - - Where thou hast trod. - - - - Peace unto thee - - And respite from pain; - - Whiteness of raiment, - - Freedom from stain. - - - - Love unto thee, - - Remembrance of Heaven, - - Tokens of Jesus - - By angels given. - - - - Peace unto thee - - Wherever thou art, - - Christlike companion - - Made for my heart. - - - - -WE MEET - - - - We meet - - In a lamp-lit street, - - You and I-- - - Life is sweet. - - - - Clouds' tumultuous feet - - Shake the sky; - - They are all in retreat-- - - Death draws nigh. - - Life is sweet-- - - With anonymous beat - - Crowds surge by. - - - - Only I - - And my sweet - - Dare to linger and greet. - - Your lips sigh, - "Time is fleet." - - Stars repeat, - - - "Life is sweet-- - - Kiss her," they cry; - "In an unlit street - - One day you must die." - - - - Thus we meet. - - - - -HEART-BREAK - - - - Lord God of Cities, how long must we wait - - Bound in our Babylons of tawdry sin; - - Hast Thou so many other stars to win, - - Is greed of conquest so insatiate? - - - - Or does Omnipotence design to take - - Example from the flaws of childhood's years, - - And what of folly in Thy work appears - - Thou studiest for newer worlds' sweet sake? - - - - Nay, Thou art shamed of Thy first dwelling-place, - - And we are wearied; neither of us know - - How we may remedy Thy fault, and so - - With slow tired hands Thou coverest Thy face. - - - - Poor Man! foredoomed to spurn such love as this! - - Sad God! what grief to make a world amiss! - - - - -UP AGAIN - - - - Down in the mud again! - - Thank God I'm up again, - - On through the rife of rain. - - Clouds, in their height, - - Gleam where some moon shines whit< - - Thank God I'm up again! - - Stars are in sight, - - Or will be in sight - - This night or next night. - - God be praised for the sight! - - It's brave to be up again. - - - - If I should fall again, - - Why, I'll rise up again-- - - On through the rush of rain - - Search out some light. - - Somewhere on wings of white-- - - Praise God I'm up again-- - - Something's in flight, - - Star-flight or dawn-flight, - - Hereward through the night. - - God be praised for such flight! - - It's glad to be up again. - - - - -MASTERLESS - - - - With tattered sail, as ships which driven are - - On whatsoever course the winds may list, - - Which every peaceful waterway have missed, - - And drift on open seas with shattered spar - - And gaping seam, which toss and sway and nod, - - Remote from sight of land and hope of aid, - - So is the canvassed, crude conveyance made - - In which Man journeys to the port of God. - - No pillow in his vessel rests the head - - Of one who, sleeping, has the power to save-- - - Who, when the clouds fly far, can calm the wave - - And send it sobbing to the ocean bed. - - Storm follows storm, the waters run more high; - - Across the vain and vacant void of death - - We lilt with lifeless motion to each breath, - - And grope grotesquely on, yet cannot die. - - Oh, for a respite from this weary place, - - Or else to see but once the Master's face! - - - - -FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD - - - - With you the world's at evening-light, - - With me the world's at day; - - Yet in my heart I think 'tis night - - While you are far away: - - While you are far away, dear lad, - - While you are far away, - - There comes no dawn, nor change of light, - - Nor any hope in day. - - - - With you it nears the hour of sleep; - - With me 'tis time to pray, - - That God may guide you o'er His deep - - Back from the Far-Away; - - Home from the Far-Away, dear lad, - - Back from the Far-Away, - - That God may drift you home in sleep, - - And bring me back my day. - - - - Christ placed his hand in mine and said, - - Come, little child, for thou art mine." - - I kissed him', raising up my head, - - And whispered, "Yea, Lord, I am thine." - - - - We wandered through white clover-flowers - - Beside a murmuring brook all day; - - When night led back the dream-tide hours - - Within his shepherd arms I lay. - - - - Older I grew, until at last - - Unto a clanging town we came; - - Christ wept for me, but in I passed - - Alone. It was the town of Fame, - - - - Wherein are lands of diverse name-- - - The Saffron East, the Purple West, - - Whose walls enclose a Crimson Shame - - But hold no Land of Quiet Rest. - - - - Weary I grew and sad, and lame, - - Until in scorn I heard one say, - - How to the gate there seeking came - - A wounded shepherd yesterday. - - - - Painfully at the stroke of dawn - - I to the open country crept; - - And on a distant dewy lawn - - I found Christ, while the city slept. - - - - My crippled hands in his, I said, - - O Lord and art thou truly mine?" - - Upon his breast he laid my head, - - Yea, little child, am I not thine?" - - - - News, sent from far away, - - Came unto me to-day, - - Only these words to say, - - Lo, he is dead." - - - - He, who to comfort me, - - Laughing right merrily, - - Said, "Think, how glad we'll be - - When I return." - - - - He, strumming out Hope's song - - Wending lone lands among, - - Swept Life's harp overstrong-- - - Felt the strings break. - - - - I shall return, you know," - - So he spake long ago; - - How brave our love must grow," - - Wrote a week since. - - - - Then news, from far away, - - Came unto me this day, - - Only these words to say, - - Lo, _he_ is dead." - - -"_The Terror by Night: the Arrow by Day: the Pestilence -walking in Darkness: the Destruction wasting at Noonday._" - - - - Thou Demon Fear, Assassin of Delight, - - Who makest impotent Man's royal might, - - Turning to poverty his wealth of days - - With hushed pursuit of him in all his ways, - - Whence art thou come, from what dead land of - - Night? - - - - Speak, only speak, occult, accursèd shade, - - Who ne'er to human eyes hast yet displayed - - Thine awful shape; ah, could we only hear - - Thy thin, pale voice! Thy ghastly step draws - - near, - - But bring not _thee_--therefore we grow afraid. - - - - What things men fear they do not dare to say - - Lest, thus provoked, Fate should no more delay - - But run on them and wreak those ills they dread: - - To Death we kneel, to God we bow the head; - - Yet of our fears we have the most dismay. - - - - We fear our fears, but thee, Oh Fear, we hate, - - For thou with all our sins art intimate - - As He who made us; crimes wrought long ago, - - Follies and half-faults, each one thou dost know - - And dost avenge with rods deliberate. - - - - Ah, were this all, our lives might yet go well - - For, since we suffer here the pains of Hell, - - Heav'n should be certain, Death--God's just - - reprieve. - - But thou with vain forebodings dost conceive - - To break our hearts, and turn us infidel. - - - - Oh for that silence, virgin of all sound, - - Vast, uncalamitous which did abound - - When Darkness, drooping from Eternity, - - Trailed his slow pinions o'er Time's tideless - - sea - - Before Fear was called forth from underground. - - - - Then Quiet, from the Nothingness of Space, - - Gazed down on Chaos with untroubled face, - - Such as babes have who enter Life still-born; - - For Evening Strife, nor Hurricane of Morn, - - Had then perturbed God's wonted resting-place. - - - - Now, though through utterest lands we wend our - - way, - - We hear thy footstep, so we cannot stay; - - Yea, though we search out Peace in dreams by - - night, - - Too soon we know thee following our flight, - - And shrieking wake, and clamour for new-day. - - - - Only Man's bygone days are truly sweet: - - _This day_ is darkened by _To-morrow's_ threat, - - _To-morrow_ by the menace of _To-day;_ - - From out the Past is fled away for aye - - The grinding doubt of possible defeat. - - - - Ah, were we wise, our lives 'tis thus we'd spend: - - Because the Past glides onward without end, - - Engulfing _our _To-day and _our_ Hereafter, - - We'd greet This Day, or Next, with careless - - laughter - - - - As 'twere the Past, and so our fortunes mend. - - - - Too weak are we, too diligent in doubt, - - This fiend with sage philosophy to flout; - - When all his lawful issue fail his need, - - Fear doth with harlot Fancy quickly breed - - Frenzy, to put Tranquillity to rout. - - - - Nightly earth's infants, garret-roofs beneath, - - Wake shuddering and hark, with indrawn breath - - And small clenched hands and faces woe-begone, - - Till through the creaking gloom there mounteth - - one - - Whom they in ignorance mistake for Death. - - - - Nor are we braver when we older grow, - - For still "'Tis Death!" we sob. "'Tis Death! Ah - - woe, - - Deep woe, is me!" whene'er thou drawest nigh: - - Therefore, Oh Fear, full many times men die - - And Dissolution's torments undergo. - - - - Man, who was made in image like to God, - - Whom angels tended wheresoe'er he trod - - With glad huzzas and harpings all the way, - - So that the untamed beasts allowed his sway, - - Cringes a coward 'neath thine up-raised rod. - - - - Secret Chastiser of our secret heart, - - Speak, but this once, to tell us who thou art; - - Whether the hound that runs before Death's - - feet, - - Discrowned Imagination in retreat, - - Or Echo, of our own flight the counterpart - - Like God, most silent ever thou dost keep. - - Thine eyes must be as God's, which never sleep - - But watch, aye watch, and know us all in all. - - Oh, can it be, that thou art but the call - - Of God, the Shepherd, guarding o'er His sheep? - - - - -ABANDON - - - - Just to be true to one grand swift desire - - Which shall all other furious faiths outpace; - - To run with strength an uncontested race - - Till, knowing how the soul is catching fire - - And generous flame is clambering through the - - heart-- - - For Self, what though heroic, is not best-- - - I grasp my life and hurl it with the rest, - - Joining myself to God--a puny part. - - - - One holy thing to fail for--thus to die; - - To give men love, who knew before remorse; - - Then, meekly seek with Christ some scornful - - Cross, - - But leave the world more kind in passing by-- - - In piercing through the covering doth of night - - To lodge one star, and vanish strong in flight. - - - - Kiss me," she said, "for I must die - - Ere any star his flight hath ta'en, - - And cold and unperturbed shall lie - - When Night doth pace our earth again. - - And thou, dear love, if thou should'st weep, - - And if thy heart with anguish break, - - From sweet sad dreams thy solace take - - And lose thy pain in painless sleep. - - Kiss me, dear love, for I must die - - And cold and unperturbed shall lie." - - - - Kiss me, dear friend, for now I feel - - That thou art as a glimpse of God; - - More tender passions through me steal - - Than when this wayward world I trod. - - Lie still, dear heart, and do not speak-- - - God would not stoop to such as me; - - With silent mouth and noiselessly - - I would my grave Creator seek. - - Kiss me, dear love, for now I feel - - More noble passions through me steal." - - - - Kiss me, this last, for I must flee - - From all I loved and cherished here, - - And now must go distressfully - - Bereft, in solitude and fear. - - But, when your eyes are closed in sleep, - - I shall descend the starry steeps - - Where Leon for her lover weeps - - And tired hands have naught to reap. - - Kiss me, dear love, alone I flee - - To meet unknown Eternity." - - - - -MAN'S BEGINNING - - - - When God was young and wandered through the - - skies - - Supreme and unadored, content to be - - The only vessel on His starry sea, - - He had no wish for sight of other eyes. - - But, as the years flew by, He older grew, - - And held less dear the loneliness He found, - - When from some long-since reign He caught the - - sound - - Of play-mate deities, whom once He knew. - - Half-heedlessly He stooped toward a star - - And kissed its silver lips, when forth there came - - A little god, in speech like to those same - - Dear children whom in sleep He heard afar. - - The Father God pulsated through His heart, - - He cried, "O Child, my little son thou art." - - - - -LOVE AT LAST - - - - When I have looked upon Thy face - - I hear a wandering discontent - - Wail through my living, and retrace - - The leaf-strewn paths my feet frequent. - - Folly abode within a glade - - And saw my flight and, laughing, bade - - Me greet her lips and kiss her hair, - - Till I was fain to kiss her there. - - - - But Thou art sad and dost not speak, - - So sad and sorrowful art Thou; - - Thine eyes are scarred, my eyes they seek, - - And cruel marks have marred Thy brow. - - Pleasure laid hands on me and mine, - - She crowned my head with tangled vine, - - Her arms about my neck lay bare; - - I was constrained to kiss her there. - - - - Yea, Thou hast suffered. This I tell - - By those long wound-prints in Thy hands; - - Mankind has never used Thee well, - - And loves not Thee, nor Thy commands. - - - - Bitterness found me desolate - - And kissed me with the breath of hate; - - Since Folly fled, she bade me wear - - Her angry scarlet in my hair. - - - - Now, as I look into Thy face, - - Despised and battered though it be, - - Visage of scorn in every place, - - I know that I belong to Thee. - - Worthless these lips to give the kiss-- - - And yet I dare, recalling this, - - When Life's last lovers left me bare - - Thy patient face was constant there. - - - - -THE MIRROR OF THOUGHT - - - - When earnest-eyed we conversed through the - - night, - - Recalled past pleasure, followed up the hour - - With plaintive music--sad memorial flower - - Of melancholy and of old delight-- - - Rode bold as Taillefer with tossing brand - - Across the hills of fancy, chanting strains - - Of ancient chivalry, while loud refrains - - Rumbled responsive through our faery band, - - Then Courage kindled Courage, making gay - - Carnage and conflict, poverty and fear; - - The path to glory golden did appear, - - And I was brave to wend it any day. - - A far-blown cry of love and minstrelsy, - - Revealed to me myself as I would be. - - - - -I'M SORRY - - - - I'm sorry, dear-- - - But I did not know - - That behind your eyes, - - Where the joy-fields grow - - And dance to the joy of dancing skies, - - There were forests where graver flowers rise; - - Weighted with shadow, - - They stand tiptoe: - - So I'm sorry, dear-- - - I did not know. - - - - I'm sorry, dear. - - As we older grow - - There will come a day, - - May its feet move slow, - - When we, where the life-fields fade to gray - - And the skies dance not, shall have naught to say, - - Met by a Shadow, - - In voices low, - - But, "I'm sorry, God-- - - I did not know." - - - - -DREAMLAND LOVE - - - - Here in the Far Land of our own begetting, - - Crouched on the haunted cliff begirt by sea, - - Hushed in the murmurous swell of dim waves - - fretting - - Walls and sheer rocks which cradle you and me, - - How shall we lisp of older worlds and cities? - - How shall we sigh for newer worlds to be? - - Naught here is left of moanings or of pities, - - Only the whispered silence of the sea. - - - - We had no stars to shine our curved prows hither, - - Nor had we moons to guide us fearlessly, - - Only the age-long yearnings of the river - - Bruised by steep banks and aching for the sea; - - Rivers whose tides grow tired of earthly lilies, - - Too full of splendour to last so long as we, - - Rivers whose length-long craving and strong will is - - Once to see space, and then to cease to be. - - - - Hither we journeyed sunset-ways by water, - - I in my phantom keel of Poesy, - - You in Sleep's arms, of whom you are the daughter, - - Till in my arms Sleep laid you noiselessly. - - - - Down through the dusk our dreamland barque - - drove gleaming, - - Under gray sails, through gradual groves of sea, - - Till from your eyes I saw the love-light streaming, - - And gave the kiss which set your spirit free. - - - - All the fair glories of our first beginnings - - We did forsake to gain this quiet place; - - Passions we left, and fears, and youthful sinnings; - - Virtues we left, and early signs of grace. - - Dreamings we brought and beauty of the May- - - time, - - All else we flung to where Time's whirlwinds race. - - Timeless are we in this our godlike play-time, - - Since Sleep has led us gently face to face. - - - - Gray glide the mists around our ocean's edges, - - Gray grope the tides across the gray-paved sea, - - Gray clings the foam about our granite ledges, - - Naught, naught remains to safeguard you from - - me. - - These axe the souls who watch us at our dreaming, - - Spirits of mist, of spray-dashed crag and sea; - - All, all is hushed, save your gray eyes deep gleaming, - - Eyes of veiled flame in caves of mystery. - - - - Like frozen stars, we watched each other's shining, - - Wondered with pain if any time might be, - - When we should lean beyond our own divining, - - Touching the lips of others such as we, - - Till I grew faint within my lonely heaven, - - Sank through the cloudland stretched twixt you - - and me, - - Plunged through the thunder where firmaments - - rocked riven, - - So gave the kiss which set your spirit free. - - - - We must go hence, when flames the tyrant morning, - - We shall go hence at breaking of new day; - - We, like the stars strange midnight lands adorning, - - We must go hence, steal separately away. - - Yet, like the stars, perchance we may glide burning - - When round the earth the skies are growing gray; - - We to our haunted cliff may sail returning, - - Nearing the crags where yesternight we lay. - - Thus from the Far Land of our own begetting - - - - I must depart across Sleep's sundering sea, - - Throughout the Sim Land wander inly fretting, - - Till night drifts back restoring you to me; - - - - Till through the dark I see Love's pennons streaming, - - When you will kiss and set my spirit free; - - Till through the dusk our dreamland barque drives - - gleaming, - - Under gray sails, through gradual groves of sea. - - - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Florence On A Certain Night, by Coningsby Dawson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT *** - -***** This file should be named 52455-8.txt or 52455-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/4/5/52455/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/52455-8.zip b/old/52455-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d62506a..0000000 --- a/old/52455-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52455-h.zip b/old/52455-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c8b8d5d..0000000 --- a/old/52455-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/52455-h/52455-h.htm b/old/52455-h/52455-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 2711508..0000000 --- a/old/52455-h/52455-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9170 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> - -<!DOCTYPE html - PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> - <head> - <title> - Florence on a Certain Night, by Coningsby Dawson - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> - - body { margin:15%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} - P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } - H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } - hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} - .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} - blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} - .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} - .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} - .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} - .x-small {font-size: 75%;} - .small {font-size: 85%;} - .large {font-size: 115%;} - .x-large {font-size: 130%;} - .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} - .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} - .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} - .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} - .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} - .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} - div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } - div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } - .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} - .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} - .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; - font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; - text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; - border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} - .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; - border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; - text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; - font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} - .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; - border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; - text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; - font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} - p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} - span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } - pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} - -</style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Florence On A Certain Night, by Coningsby Dawson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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 -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Florence On A Certain Night - And Other Poems - -Author: Coningsby Dawson - -Release Date: June 30, 2016 [EBook #52455] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - -</pre> - - <div style="height: 8em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h1> - FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT - </h1> - <h3> - AND OTHER POEMS - </h3> - <h2> - By Coningsby Dawson - </h2> - <h4> - New York: Henry Holt and Company - </h4> - <h3> - 1914 - </h3> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0002.jpg" alt="0002 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0002.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0008.jpg" alt="0008 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0008.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <h3> - TO - </h3> - <h3> - <i>JOHN KEATS</i> - </h3> - <h3> - WHO, IN EXCUSE FOR A LIKE OCCASION, - </h3> - <h3> - WROTE: - </h3> - <h3> - <i>"WERE I DEAD, I SHOULD LIKE A BOOK DEDICATED TO ME."</i> - </h3> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <h3> - A WARNING TO THE READER - </h3> - <p> - Here thou shalt find grave thought—the shade of thine Most is of - earth, some little all divine. By hands God-given, mine, this tower doth - thrive; Thine are the clouds which round my turrets drive. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <p> - <b>CONTENTS</b> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> CENTURIES AGO </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> HIS MOTHER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> PERHAPS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> BELLUM AMORIS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> QUEEN MARY OF HEAVEN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> A BRAVE LIFE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE MOON-MOTHER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> TO A YOUNG GIRL WHO SAID SHE WAS NOT BEAUTIFUL - </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> HALLOWE'EN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> UNSEEN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> WHY THEY LOVED HIM </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> CHILDISH TRAVELLING </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> THE IVORY LATCH </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE ONCE SUNG SONG </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SPRING </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> A LULLABY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> THE HILL-TOWER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> DAYBREAK </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> HOME </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> VANISHED LOVE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> THALATTA! THALATTA! </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> TO ENGLAND'S GREATEST SATIRIST </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> IN THE GLAD MONTH OF MAY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> THE LILIES BLOOM </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> HERE, SWEET, WE LAY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> OUT OF THE BLACKNESS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> IF GOD SHOULD COME </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> A NEW TENANT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> LIFE WITHOUT THEE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> ANSWERED PRAYER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> IN BEDLAM </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> A SONG OF IGNOBLE EASE </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> A WISH FOR HER </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> WE MEET </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> HEART-BREAK </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> UP AGAIN </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> MASTERLESS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> ABANDON </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> MAN'S BEGINNING </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> LOVE AT LAST </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> THE MIRROR OF THOUGHT </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> I'M SORRY </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> DREAMLAND LOVE </a> - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT - </h2> - <h3> - I - </h3> - <p> - (October, 1504) - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Someone sings in the street below]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fair-fleeting Youth must snatch at happiness, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He knows not if To-morrow curse or bless, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor round what bend upon his travel-way - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The bandit Death lurks armed—of Yesterday - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His palely featured griefs he knows too well; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Therefore with jests To-day, come Heaven, come Hell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He plucks with either hand what joys he may. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Joy is a flower - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - White-leafd or red, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - None knows which colour - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till it is dead: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - White gives forth fragrance - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pure as God's breath; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Red in its dying - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yields the gatherer death. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So 'tis Lorenzo's song they sing to-night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That haunting song which long years since he sang - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When, with his gallants through the torch- - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - smirched dusk, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He laughing rode toward the Carnival, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And young girls loosened all abroad their hair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And flung up petals through the cool moonlight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Some of which falling rested on his face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Some of which falling covered up his eyes; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And girls there were who kissed his drooping - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - hands - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And clasped his stirrups, begging him to stay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To halt one little moment, stay with them: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>"Life is so short. Delay with us a while."</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But he rode on, and sang of joy and love. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lorenzo il Magnifico is dead; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His lips are silent, and he now could halt - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, endlessly, if one of those fair maids - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should come to him imploring him to stay. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For twelve slow years within the sacristy - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of San Lorenzo he has never waked, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But has the rest he could not find in life— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ungrateful now, because postponed too long. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If one should steal to him from out the past - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bending down should whisper low his name, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He would not hearken. True, she would be old, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As are all maids of that spent gala-night; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So, if he heard her, he would only smile, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For he loved only beauty in his day. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - II - </h3> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[ Someone sings in the street below]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fair-fleeting Youth wends ever to the West, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He, like the sun, too soon must sink to rest. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stars of Remorse, fast-following on his track, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Moon of Old-Age, can nothing turn ye back f - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, soon the golden Day'll have spent his breath! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then comes the drear, eventless Night of Death - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Youth, no longer young, all joys must lack. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Then comes the drear, eventless Night of Death!" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Tis true, for who in Tuscany to-day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dares breathe the Medicean name aloud? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When a man dies, the watchers by the bed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Close down his eye-lids, so is he once dead; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Twice dead is he whose mem'ry men dang down - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To dark oblivion when his soul is fled. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Florence forgets her singer, but his song - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still echoes through her streets on autumn nights, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And pausing at the door of some old friend, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bids him remember all the hope he had - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In spacious days, before Lorenzo died . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It seems Lorenzo's soul crept back to earth - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Re-seeking Joy he coveted in life, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seeking the happiness he never found. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet, was his labour lost? Did he not find? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He sang one song which lingers in men's hearts - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, having sung, he surely solved his quest. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who of Joy's seekers finds the flower itself, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And plucking, knows the snow-white from the red? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not I, for I've been truant in my search; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I've pluck't the mauve of Honour and the green - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of cloistered Knowledge, yellow of Romance, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The blue which feigns a deep Tranquillity, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarlet of Boldness, purple of Despair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Orange of Idleness which flaunts the sun, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And indigo of wizard Heresy— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And gray which gives to Weariness unrest. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perchance I've clutched within this eager hand - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Death of Joy—the fatal flower of blood. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I know not. This I know, I have not trod - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The quiet vale where grows the flower of white. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like an unwise distiller of perfume - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I've blended each new fragrance as it came, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Made something perfect for a day—two days; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then ruined all by adding something fresh. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - First I would be a scholar, so I learned - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Latin and Greek, and Mathematic Law. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then I would be a poet, so I wrote - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Chi non puô quel che vuol, quel che puo voglia; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Che quel che non si puô folle è volere. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Adunque saggio l'uomo è da tenere, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Che da quel che non puô sua vogler toglia." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I could not live the wisdom which I taught, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So I must be a master of design - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And studied sculpture with Verocchio, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Verocchio who had his dusty shop - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On Amo's banks in grand Lorenzo's time. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thither, while yet a boy, I did resort - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And out of terra-cotta caused to smile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Women whose beauty ne'er hath been surpassed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor equalled in the flesh for Man's delight. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still not content, I'd be an architect - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And renovate this battered world for God, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hurling across steep valleys, mile on mile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through cloudland, spans of marble aqueduct; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Leading chained rivers from the mountain-heights - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Down to the plains where men are wont to toil, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There I would cause these Samsons of the crags, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scenting the sea, whose waves are unconfined, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To shake themselves as once at other times, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And rush in frenzy forward turning mills. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So would each city echo to the hum - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of loom, and web, and swift-revolving wheels. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, when prosperity had reached its height - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And merhants cavilled at each other's gains, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'd frame for them the iron beasts of war - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hound than on to harry and destroy— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And when our world was fallen, who but I, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Da Vinci, should stand forth to raise it up? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These were my dreams; I thought myself divine— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All this was long ago, when I was young. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Next I would make me wings, and I would fly - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As do the morning birds straight t'ward the sun, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Piercing the mists, rise far above the clouds - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To seek out where God walks and whom He loves. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I made me wings, but had not strength to fly. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still discontent and tethered to this world, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I strove to wrench the secret out of Life, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And swept the far horizon of the stars - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If there, at least, I might discern some sign - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To tell me whence souls come, to where depart. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I, in my overhaste, pursued too far, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seeking that vague and fabled Paradise - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where Adam and his many sons sing chaunts, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While Eve walks through them pale and deified. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I missed my track in pathless swamps of Time, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I chilled my hands against the cold-dead stars, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And lost my mind in unremembered Past, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Remote from God and out of human sight. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lastly I took to painting down my thoughts, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And pictured for the King of Portugal - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That fatal meadow in the Eden Land, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where Man's first sweet and deadly sin was - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - wrought. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I, in this art, all others did excel; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet with success I was not satisfied - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But hourly craved for the impossible— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To fashion men as real as flesh and blood. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To-day I'd toil with fire in my brain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And paint away the faults of yesterday, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And shadow forth the dreams of yesternight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And so on through long months and weary years - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till, losing heart, I'd toss my brush aside - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Leaving the thing unfinished as it was— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Adding this broken promise to my last. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There's Raphael with his wide unanxious eyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He does his work as though it were his play; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He never talks of fame, but sings the while - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He paints the Virgin with Lord Jesus Christ— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Goes to the door, throws kisses to a child, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Goes to the window, smiles to some slim girl, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And so returns and flashes kiss and smile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Into the canvas quaking 'neath his brush, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Creating thus a masterpiece sublime. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And then there's surly Michelangelo - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who chisels <i>Davids</i> through the death-long night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And paints <i>Last Judgments</i> through the livelong - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pantingly running, pace on pace with Fame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Racing dean-limbed toward his goal in life. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But I, poor changeling, wake, and dream, and - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - wake, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And dream again, retarded by desire. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I was eight years in painting at Milan - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A fresco for the monks of Dominic— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And even this I hear's begun to fade; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It was a picture of that sacred feast - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our Saviour gave before he went to die. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ten years I laboured on the Sforza horse - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which should have been my monument through - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Time. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I built it huge and true in every line, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Studied anatomy to make it strong, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And set on top Francesco with his sword; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, when the time for casting had arrived - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I had done one perfect work at last, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The hungry French across the border came, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bringing their Gascons, who got drunk and shot - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The clay of my poor Titan into space. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So were ten years of strenuous effort lost; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now I'm painting Mona Lisa's face . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Someone sings in the street below]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seize then thy gladness ere it turns to dust, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Youth can make all acts lovely, all deeds just; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Heed not the tyrant, lean Morality, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But steer thy passion down to the purple sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through winding hills where Beauty hath her home - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And calls to travellers, until thou come - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unto the Deep of Lovés Satiety. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ha-ha, my passion to the purple sea! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet, I'd go if Mona Lisa'd come. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We two, close-seated in one crimson boat - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would drift the yellow waters of Romance, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Glide down its stream through hills of mystery - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where Beauty roams, of which the song hath - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - sung, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor ever speak of where that tide should end. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We'd dip no oars, we'd set no hurrying sail, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But swept on the full current of desire - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would steer our course with unimpeded hands, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Watching the pleasure in each other's eyes. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah well, 'tis vain to talk! Two-thirds of life - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till now I've spent in spotless purity— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Affection's been retarded by desire - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As has my work; my dreams have far excelled - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The beauty God moulds into human shape. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The sweet perfection of the womankind - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who haunt my brain, has held me back from love. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This . . . this was so till Mona Lisa came. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Four years I've painted when it was her day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A day of mist, of mingled rain and sun; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Four years before me silently she's sat - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And smiled to see me strive to catch her smile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In liquid paint, with canvas and with brush, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that her eyes, searching, inscrutable, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May question her sons' sons when she is dust. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I only just begin to know her face. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To learn its sudden changes I have paid - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The skill'dest men in all our Tuscan vales, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Harpists, lute-players, masters of the viol, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To make soft music while on her I gaze. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For her content I ordered to be made - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A fountain in the courtyard of my house - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose waters falling, ere they dash to spray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Smite on smooth spheres, which thus revolve and - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - hum - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The chaunt the winds toll in our upland pines. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - About the fountain's brink I caused to plant - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pale iris roots and dew-blanched narcissi, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since white's the flower which most of all she loves. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Also about the pillars, where the sun - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lengthens the shadows when the evening fades, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I've sculptured . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Someone sings in the street below]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Passion's a flower - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While-leaf d or red— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - None knows which colour - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till it is dead; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love gives forth fragrance - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pure as God's breath; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lust in Us dying - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yields the gatherer death. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And had Lorenzo sung those words to me - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His voice had had no more familiar sound; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had he turned back from lordly Paradise - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To urge me on in my pursuit of Joy, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Knowing its flower almost within my hand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He had not said those words more earnestly. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lo, even now he stands without and I, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By leaning forward, may discerrn his face. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Rises, goes to the window; looks out]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nothing; the sky is covered with a cloud, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The moon's obscured and all the stars are dead. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Cries, as though hailing someone]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lorenzo, ho Lorenzo! Are you there? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I heard your singing. I am come, old friend. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Listens; then to himself]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What's over there? I thought a shadow stirred. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, over there! Beneath Piero's wall. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hath Pagan Plato triumphed over Christ - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sent his chief apostle back to us? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or hath Lord Christ in his compassion wrought - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That kindness Dives craved of Abraham, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sending Lorenzo here from off his breast - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To bid me snatch my Joy ere Death befalls? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No . . . no, the moon shines through and makes - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - all plain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This is some old Florentine Lazarus— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A soldier crippled in our Pisan wars - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who begs upon San Marco's steps by day. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hi, here's a scudot Catch it in your cap. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - D'you hear me fellow? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Strange, he does not stay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But hastens on as if he . . . there, he's gone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perchance he's mad or deaf, or blind and mad. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet methought that, when he turned to go, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His face looked upward, so it caught the light; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And it was like to one . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>[Comes hack from the window and sits down]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah well, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'll think no more of spirits and of ghosts; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Let the dead past go bury up its dead. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'll think of Mona Lisa's face alone . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Of Mona Lisa's face. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Just now I said - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One thing I knew, that I had never trod - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The quiet vale where grows the flower of white. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Twas false. Four years I've lived and wandered - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - there - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And seen my flower, but feared to break its stem. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dear God, thou knowest how often I have prayed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That this temptation might not make me fall— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, I have asked for death's deliverance. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Is this thy answer, that it is no sin - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For men to gather that which most they love? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So be it. Silence answers every prayer; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy voice hath spoken—I am satisfied. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Men say in Florence, while I watched her face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That I bewitched her, so her very eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Grew in expression like unto my own, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that her hands took on my restless ways, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that her mouth hath altered in its smile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, when I paint her face, I paint my own. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then let that be God's answer to my prayer. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, she is like me, she is very like! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God made her for the sister of my soul; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He would not have His plans jerked out of joint - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By one mistake, because she chanced to wed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her bankrupt father's sternest creditor - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To save his name—and this, some years ago; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Therefore He sent His singer here to-night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That he, in words I loved, might tell me so. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Certainly God is good and very great. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Tis said her husband hath returned this night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Passing at sundown through the southern gate - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From Naples, where last spring he went to sell - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Certain Sicilian cattle which he had. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (He sold, I'll warrant, at the highest price), - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So, if the husband's come, then <i>she</i> is home. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That day she left me, 'twas an April day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One of her days of mingled mist and sun, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I well remember how she paused and gazed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Full in my eyes, as if forbidden love - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Were vainly seeking words which shame denied; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then suddenly she stooped, and her lips brushed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My forehead. God gave gentle words ; she prayed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "May the Christ-Mother have you in her care"— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nothing besides. Passionately I rose up, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Willing for her sake to be crucified; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stretched forth my arms to snatch her to my - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - breast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And found her gone—the courtyard filled with sun. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Six months have passed since then—six tortured - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - months! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There hangs her portrait, it has felt no brush - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since on that April mom she went away; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now the empty courtyard's filled with night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And back to Florence Mona Lisa's come. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To-morrow I will go to her and say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Lisa, here take my life for it is yours. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Do with it as you will; but do not stay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To add, subtract, and reckon up its cost. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Act a brave part and, if your love's like mine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We need not fear; for what we lose we gain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, though we gain much, still to-day's to-day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, while we tarry, one day's love is lost." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, would that I might speak those words to-night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For, while I halt, another night is gone— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crush'd to a mem'ry 'neath the heel of Time. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'm minded even now to venture forth, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To go to her, although the hour is late; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And through the darkness, when she hears me call, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only to say to her this one word, "<i>Come</i>." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus unto men speak Birth, Fate, Love and Death, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The four great captains of this brief campaign; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Casting a shadow at the soul's tent-door, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each in his turn beckons and whispers, "<i>Come</i>." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I to her am Death, Birth, Love and Fate; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And she to me is Love, and only Love. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'll go to her. How can I longer wait? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her nearer presence sets my blood aflame; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'll seize my flower . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Commences to descend the stairway, then pauses]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, the song again! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Someone sings in the street below]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Let naught of fear Youth's laughing steps delay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Aye, gather gladness; pluck it while ye may— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We burn not if To-morrow curse or Hess. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who cares—one red bud more, one white bud less? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only we burn that love was meant to spend, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And this we burn, that each life hath its end; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Therefore, O Youth, snatch all thy happiness. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Descends slowly; passes out into the street]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Leonardo da Vinci speaks]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There's truth in every line that song hath sung. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The hand that wrote it's twelve years turned to - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - dust, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The brain's become a hollow nothingness— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A little grayness lying in a skull; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet Lorenzo guides my steps to-night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unto my love as truly as in life. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh wonderful and strange that men should die - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, being buried, still should talk with us! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When <i>I</i> am free, and future ages come - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To stand amazed before the girl I loved, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then I will speak with them, say thus and thus, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, though departed, never shall be dead. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For this I'll paint her portrait till 'tis done, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Singing, like Raphael, from gray dawn to dusk, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pausing to kiss her forehead, lips, throat, eyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Learning their beauty, where mine own lips touch; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So I, like Angelo, with measured stride - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Will race with Fame, until the prize is won. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, men attain most only when they love. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "<i>But steer thy passion down to the purple sea,</i>" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (How went the song?) "<i>Until at length thou come </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unto the Deep of Love's Satiety." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Truly, that is the way that brave men love: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Reckless of blame, despising consequence, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not counting on a better day to come, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seizing with warrior-hands their Joy at once. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And love in life is everything to us, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I have failed because I have not loved. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, when her soft arms go about my neck - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I grow pale before her great desire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A new success will pass into my blood - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I'll be strong . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, someone's coming up! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'll draw into the shadow of this gate; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps he'll pass. I seem to know his tread. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No good! He's seen me; I must seek the light. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Is't you Vitelli? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Vitelli]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Leonardo? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Leonardo da Vinci]</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yes. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>[Vitelli speaks]</i> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Well, how's the painting? Is her portrait done? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose portrait? Why, the one of Lisa's face. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not finished! What, 'tis only just begun? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Well, that's a pity. Four years seems some time - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To gape before a canvas with a brush. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beg pardon. This is what I meant to say: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That since you could not paint her in her life, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You'll scarce be more successful now she's - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - dead . . . - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You did not know? . . . <i>Why, she's been dead </i> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - three months. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CENTURIES AGO - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - In the solemn twilight, centuries ago, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God walked in His Garden, all His stars below; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God was very lonely, so He caused to grow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Man, in some ways like Him, centuries ago. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Man roamed through the twilight, centuries ago, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Always thinking, thinking—wishing he might know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who it was that made him; then God caused to - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - grow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Woman, who was half-God, centuries ago. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These, within God's Garden, centuries ago, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stood beneath the twilight calling very low - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To some voice to answer, whereby they might - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had God really made them—centuries ago. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus whilst they were listening, centuries ago, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Solemn feet drew nigh them, treading very slow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Solemn hands so touched them that they caused to - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - grow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Something that was All-God, centuries ago. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then they left God's Garden, centuries ago. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarcely dared to question, never hoped to know, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who it was that touched them, causing thus to - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - grow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That small child, so like them—centuries ago. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - HIS MOTHER - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - I bore him in my breast— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yes, it was I. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My mother's hands impressed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stars of the sky - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On to his infant sight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As we watched night by night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Jesus and I. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I taught him how to pray; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yes, it was I - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gave him the words to say. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God drawing nigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We two walked hand-in-hand - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Close to God's Hidden Land, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Jesus and I. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This little son of mine - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fell from the sky; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God made him all divine— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet there was I. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I came to bear his loss, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He came to take his cross— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He came to die. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus we went hand-in-hand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My son and I, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Up to God's Hidden Land— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Went up to die. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He entered in to reign - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And came not back again— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet there was I. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - PERHAPS - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - "Perhaps tomorrow, but not today. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I am young and life is long," she said; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And she smiled to herself and tossed her head— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She scarcely cared that he went away. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps tomorrow, but not today." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps today," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She laughed; and the green things rose from bed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And lived their moment. But still she said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till the sky grew old and the world grew gray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps tomorrow, but not today." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Neither tomorrow, nor yet today." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Night fell. She heard the voice and sped, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And followed his steps, till she found Love dead. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The forest muttered, as it would say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Neither tomorrow, nor any day." - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - BELLUM AMORIS - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, the romance of it, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soul-thrilling trance of it, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though lives are lost which no love can restore! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hearts ride a-prance at it, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Taking their chance at it— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wing-thriven hearts to the seat of Love's War. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sorrow is theirs in store; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This they know well before, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet do they ride from the West and the East - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hoping for this at least, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Out from the West and East, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Glory with death at the end of the war. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should they return again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Life sings the old refrain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mystery, madness and mirth at the core: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Patter of falling rain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dawnings which wax and wane, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Life which is war at the end of Love's War. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thunders have ceased to roar, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Terrors they knew before - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When they rode out from the East and the West. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though passions will not rest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love, which is always best, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Honours brave lips at the end of the war. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - QUEEN MARY OF HEAVEN - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - She sits in God's garden, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Queen Mary of Heaven, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where birds sing their steven - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hid in the cool tree; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And all the gold day-time, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From morning till even, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Earth's little strange children - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Play round her knee. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Earth's lost little children - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She binds to her bosom, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each wind-gathered blossom, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till mothers are free - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To steal to God's Garden - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And name them and loose them— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In Eden's green garden, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - 'Neath Mary's tree. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A BRAVE LIFE - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - The arid loneliness of life he knew, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The doubtful darkness of the starless night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fear lest he should never see the sight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of dawn and God the Father breaking through. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Brave offspring of a disenchanted age - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He lived as though illusion were not dead; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His was the pain of faiths discredited - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which with new knowledge civil battles wage. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In all his deeds for righteous quests he stood - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And we, who watched his face and heard his voice, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dreamed of the Christ; we had not any choice, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In loving him we knew that God was good— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We knew. And thus, beneath the hooded sky, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lightly we followed where his pain had made - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A path for us; if one should fall, he stayed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To raise him, lest his frailer hope should die. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ofttimes when summer's day had ceased to shine - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And on our London roofs the moon looked down, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We two would wander through the gas-lit town - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Speaking in whispers of the things divine; - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or in love's stillness, high above the strife, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We found our spirits strangely catching fire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And told of that "<i> unspeakable desire </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - After the knowledge of the buried life." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He knows its secret now; the morning mist - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Drifts up the road where his last footprint lies; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I, as ever when a Christ-man dies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stand awe-struck, asking, "Was not this the - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Christ?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His soul craved God. I think we always knew - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He would be with us but a little while. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Night vanished; dawn broke—when he saw God - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - smile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Back like a homing-bird to God he flew. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE MOON-MOTHER - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - The world is a child who roams all day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through windswept meadows of gold and gray. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The gold flowers fade; he foils to sleep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And night is his cradle wide and deep. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The moon-mother creeps from behind God's throne - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And steals up the skies to protect her own. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She leans her breast 'gainst his cradle-rim - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While her small star-children gaze down on him. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stars are his brothers; clouds his dreams; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His mother's arms are the pale moon-beams. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When meadows again grow gold and gray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He wakes from sleep and runs forth to play. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But every night from behind God's throne - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The moon-mother steals to protect her own. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - TO A YOUNG GIRL WHO SAID SHE WAS NOT BEAUTIFUL - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - It's not her hair and it's not her feet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor the way she walks with her head held high; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It's not because her eye-brows meet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like a bird's wings over a glimpse of sky; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And it isn't her voice like April bloom - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rustling through an orchard's gloom— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It's none of these; not her wide gray eye, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor her crumpled mouth like a rose-bud red - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Round which the snows of the jasmine spread. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though her long white hands - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Are like lilies of Lent, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Palely young and purely bent - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - O'er her breast, where God stands, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It's none of these. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Flowers and trees - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With her to compare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Are too little rare. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though the grass yearns up to touch her feet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She is loved for this—she is sweet, sweet, sweet. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - HALLOWE'EN - </h2> - <p> - <i>Hark to the patter of the rain, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Voices of dead things come again: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Feet that rustle the lush wet grass, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lips that mutter, "Alas! Alas!" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And shadows that grope o'er my window-pane. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor outcast souls, you saw my light - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thought that I, on such a night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would pity take and bid you in - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To warm your hands, so palely thin, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Before my fire which blazeth bright. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You come from hells of ice-cold clay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So pent that, striving every way, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You may not stir the coffin-lid; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And well you know that, if you did, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Darkness would come and not the day. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Darkness! With you 'tis ever dark; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No joy of skyward-mounting lark - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or blue of swallow on the wing - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Can penetrate and comfort bring - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You, where you lie all cramp'd and stark. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Deep sunk beneath the secret mould, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You hear the worm his length unfold - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And slime across your frail roof-plank, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And tap, and vanish, like the rank - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Foul memory of a sin untold. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And this your penance in the tomb: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To weave upon the mind's swift loom - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - White robes, to garb remorsefully - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A <i>Better Life</i>—which may not be - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or, when it comes, may seal your doom. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus, side by side, through all the year, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet just apart, you wake and hear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As men on land the ocean's strum, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your Dead World's hushed delirium - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which, sounding distant, yet is near. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So near that, could he lean aside, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The bridegroom well might touch his bride - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And reach her flesh, which once was fair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, slow across the pale lips where - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He kissed her, feel his fingers glide. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So distant, that he can but weep - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whene'er she moans his name in sleep: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A cold-grown star, with light all spent, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She gropes the abyssmal firmament. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He hears her surging in the Deep. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ever throughout the year 'tis thus - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till drones the dream-toned Angelus - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of Hallowe'en; then, underground, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unto dead ears its voice doth sound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like Christ's voice, crying, "<i>Lazarus</i>." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Palsied with haste the dead men rise - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Groaning, because their unused eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Can scarce endure Earth's blackest night; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It wounds them as 'twere furious light - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stars were flame-clouds in the skies. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What tenderness and sad amaze - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Must grieve lost spirits when they gaze - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beneath a withered moon, and view - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The ancient happiness they knew— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The live, sweet world and all its ways! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ho, Deadmen! for a night you're free - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till Dawn leads back Captivity. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To make your respite seem more dear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mutter throughout your joy this fear: - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - "Who knows, within the coming year, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That God, our gaoler, may not die; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, who'll remember where we lief - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who then will come to set us free f - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through all the ages this may be - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our final night of liberty." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Aye, hoard your moments miserly. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet .... and yet, it is His rain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That drives against my window-pane. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, surely all Earth's dead have rest - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stretch at peace in God's own breast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And never can return again! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet . . . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - UNSEEN - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh mother, why are you weeping - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When aLl the world's asleeping? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rest ye, rest ye, mother, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I am near, dear, near. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not beneath the moon-drenched grass - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Do I turn to hear you pass— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You would see me walk beside you, if your eyes - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - saw dear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh mother, why are you crying? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There was no loss in dying. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rest ye, rest ye, mother, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Have no fear, no fear. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still long hangs my golden hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But the body that I wear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Treads more kindly and more lightly, could you - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - hear, dear, hear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She has stayed her eyes from weeping; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She is sleeping, sweetly sleeping. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rest ye, weary mother, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I am here, dear, here. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now the dawn-wind fans her cheek, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And she knows not that I speak— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But my arms are warm about her, could her eyes - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - see clear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - WHY THEY LOVED HIM - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - So kindly was His love to us, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (We had not heard of love before), - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That all our life grew glorious - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When He had halted at our door. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So meekly did He love us men, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though blind we were with shameful sin, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He touched our eyes with tears, and then - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Led God's tall angels flaming in. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He dwelt with us a little space, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As mothers do in childhood's years; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And still we can discern His face - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wherever Joy or Love appears. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He made our virtues all His own, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And lent them grace we could not give; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now our world seems His alone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And while we live He seems to live. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He took our sorrows and our pain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hid their torture in His breast; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till we received them back again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To find on each His grief impressed. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He clasped our children in His arms, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And showed us where their beauty shone; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He took from us our gray alarms, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And put Death's icy armor on. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So gentle were His ways with us - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That crippled souls had ceased to sigh; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On them He laid His hands, and thus - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They gloried at His passing by. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Without reproof or word of blame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As mothers do in childhood's years, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He kissed our lips, in spite of shame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stayed the passage of our tears. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So tender was His love to us, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (We had not learnt to love before), - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That we grew like to Him, and thus - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Men sought His grace in us once more. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - April fields and England's flowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - English friends and April showers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - April voices o'er the sea - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Calling, calling unto me: - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, why tarry, why delay! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hither lies the meadow-way; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No such meadows shalt thou see, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, come back to Arcady." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Happy English Arcady - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou art calling, calling me - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through thin flutes as frail as Pan - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fingered, when long since he ran - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Careless as these foreign flowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Trailing through these tropic bowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All their largess of gold leaf, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Piling splendors sheaf on sheaf. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Some there be who think Pan dead, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Say his nymphs and flutings sped; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I know better, I have seen - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where his racing feet have been. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still I hear the dead god's voice— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - England's; Had my soul the choice, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It should wade through starry bloom - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Knee-deep to the brown-burnt broom. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - April fields and April flowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - April friends and April showers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - England shouting o'er the sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Calling, calling unto me. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHILDISH TRAVELLING - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, little child, as you lie in my breast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Leaning your hair of gold close to my face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Flushed in the gathering glow of the West, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where shall we travel—to what joyous place? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shall we refashion our castles in Spain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or sail to the Indies with Sinbad again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or noiselessly drift to where tired stars wane— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shall it be Africa, Sinbad or Spain? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Speak, little child, and together we'll go - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Back to the musical dreamlands we know. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dear little child, you have wandered to rest. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While you are sleeping I wonder and think - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where you will go, and what land will be best - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Treading for such baby feet, and I shrink. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should they be hillsides of laughing and song, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or gardens of mercy and righting of wrong, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of weeping, or triumph, or love growing strong, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Journeys of shouting, of sorrow or song? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I can but love you and kiss your gold hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Happy in hoping that Christ may be there. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE IVORY LATCH - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Rattle the Ivory Latch of Love - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And who will unbar the gate? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ask no questions, my dearest love, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But wait—wait—wait. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, will she be haughty Isabeau, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pale Isodore, or Kate? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>Hush, dearest dear, some day you'll know, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Be not importunate. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perchance I might love Isodore, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I think I could love Kate; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I have no fears for Isabeau - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should she unbar the gate. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>Perchance she may be Isabeau, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps she will be Kate; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But which, dear heart, you'll never know, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till you have learned to wait. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE ONCE SUNG SONG - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Christ along the Road to Fame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When all birds were singing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pluck't white lilies as He came, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Set the blue-bells ringing; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poppies flared in strident flame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When they heard His singing. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Further up the Road to Fame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Birds grew still in sorrow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though His feet were very lame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Courage did He borrow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Singing as He onward came, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dreaming of the morrow. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crimsoned by the Road of Fame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Christ passed sick and dying. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through the hedges, red with shame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crippled men there lying, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seeing how He singing came, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Marvelled at their sighing. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Distant down the Road to Fame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When all else ceased singing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Messengers of music came— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Little echoes winging - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Withered hearts with wings of flame— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fragments of Christ's singing. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - SPRING - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>Sing, sing, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Spring and birth! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A maid shall be mother of all the earth. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Winter's bones lie bare and bleak, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scattered white on the mountain peak. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through stark woods the Madonna Spring - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Glides with her unborn offering. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where she treads dead flowers stir - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And raise their heads to gaze after her, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And trees make dense their boughs with green - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That her motherhood may not be seen. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Summer lies hid 'neath her girlish breast; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till her babe is bom she shall find no rest. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet is she glad in her wandering - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And weaves meek songs 'gainst her mothering. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>Birth, birth, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lave and mirth! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Spring is Madonna of all the earth. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A LULLABY - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Son of God, thou little child - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - O'er whose sleep the Virgin smiled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Guard us, though this night be wild, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From Lilith—Lilith. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Guard us, though our watch be slack, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Guard us, though the night be black, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though this night all stars should lack - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From Lilith—Lilith. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stay her steps from drawing nigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss my baby lest he cry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And she hear him, and he die - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From Lilith—Lilith. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Son of God, thou little child - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - O'er whose sleep the Virgin smiled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May his soul be unbeguiled - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By Lilith—Lilith. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Is there light of moon or sun - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In the land where thou hast gone? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Does the rush of wind and rain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Smite thy woodlands green again? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Do dawn-birds rise up and sing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sunrise. Sunrise," heralding? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dost thou fear, as once, the stark - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hours of panther-footed dark? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, little maiden, sweetly frail, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Naught can these empty words avail. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For thee I clasp God's mantle fast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Praying till night is overpast. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE HILL-TOWER - </h2> - <h3> - <i>A ROMANCE</i> - </h3> - <p class="indent30"> - <i>"Bianca of the yellow hair, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With witch-face white as ivory, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yield to our might that we may bear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy body back to Rimini." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thus the foemen cried all day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And strove to daunt with fierce display - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of armoured strength her maiden heart, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that with them she might depart - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From out that hill-tower where with three - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She'd held the pass right fearlessly— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that with them she might depart - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To shameful death in Rimini. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bianca, child of Abramo - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The despot lord of Reggio, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had set our country-side on flame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With the binning torch of her beauty's fame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And a deadman's hate of her deadly name. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For she had gazed with cold gray eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On Rufo—he now starkly lies - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Deep in a sculptured sepulchre, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Smitten with death through love of her. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rufo, the heir of Ugo Count - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Qf Rimini and vast amount - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of warrior-men and chivalry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had come to claim her haughtily; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But had scorched his soul in her golden hair. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As a wounded beast creeps to his lair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So he vilely died by slow degrees - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of heart-break and a sore disease, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till his eyes grew glazed and ceased to stir, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And his life gave out for his love of her. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then Ugo swore a mighty oath, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By God's own Christ and by Christ's truth, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though I go unarmed and go alone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For my son's death she shall atone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'll take this witch of Reggio - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And through the flames will make her go, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till her sweet red lips grow cracked and sere, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till her eyes are scarred and mad with fear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till her false young tongue cannot speak love's - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - name, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till her tender feet drop off with flame— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till she hath naught left that men desire - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She shall pass and pass through consuming fire." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This was the oath which he did swear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When he cursed her face in his hate of her. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So Ugo rode on Reggio - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And called on the name of Abramo, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Claiming the body of her who wrought - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love's enchantments and made distraught - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The souls of the lovers who came to her, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And told of the oath which he did swear. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They bade him stand without the wall - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bore his tidings to the hall. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From early mom he stood till eve, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And still no message did receive. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When night was falling, dusk and dim, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A city harlot drew nigh to him - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And grayly glimmered along the wall, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stopped where the Count was standing tall. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What news," he cried, "from Abramo, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Must I raze this city of Reggio?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He reared his plume to its towering height. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She leaned far out in the waning light. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He clutched with one hand his saddle-bow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And saw her smile when she answered, "No," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And spat on his face and strained down on - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - him. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He rode away 'neath the crescent rim - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of a new-made moon through an olive-grove, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And evil passions within him strove; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In anger he gained the shining sea - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which silvers the shores of Rimini. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There he made great stir and called out his men, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And marshalled their ranks on a level fen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And clothed them in black and gave beside - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His knights black stallions which to ride, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And ordered no singing. "For," said he, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We mourn one dead in Rimini." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Over the hills he caused to go - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His sombre ranks to Reggio; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through pleasant valleys and dew-drenched woods - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His horsemen paced in their sable hoods - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With no shrill of bugle or revelry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like angels of Death's dread company. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At night they stole to the dty-wall - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And clustered beneath the ramparts tall; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hearkened for noise of warlike din, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And found no breath of strife within; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And watched for lights in the houses' eyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And saw but the stars within the skies. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then as one voice they raised the shout, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The echo eddied their cry about, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We call on you men of Reggio - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To give us the daughter of Abramo, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That she pass and pass through consuming fire - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till she hath naught left that men desire. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Give us the daughter of Abramo." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swift and dread, dark-robed and dim, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like thunder about a crater's brim, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They surged round the city at dead of night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And chased their shadows in stately flight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And swept the circle with beating hoof, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And flashed their blades on high as proof - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of the hate they had; nor ceased to moan - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like men long dead 'neath the charnel-stone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Give us the daughter of Abramo." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The dawn was groping up the sky, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An early bird was heard to cry; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Forth from the gate with haunted eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Four figures crept in leper's guise, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And two had long and yellow hair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And none had face or body bare. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swiftly they ran from tree to tree - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And wound their way all secretly - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through gloom and grove to the rising sun, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And through that day did onward run - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till evening came, and they drew at length - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To the lonely might and granite strength - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of the hill-tower in the narrow pass - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where refuge and a safety was. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then did they lock and bar the door - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And armed themselves, for they knew before - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Another moon should flood the sky - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They would hear Count Ugo's hunting cry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yield to us, daughter of Abramo." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Two frail maids, two boyish men, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lovers all in the good days when - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only the sun was in the sky - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor clouds of grief came trailing by; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Two brave maids and two brave men - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now, in an hour of darkness, when - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only the clouds were in the sky - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loved more dearly than formerly. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Corrado, page of Bianca's court, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had loved his mistress and long had sought - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To speak his heart but feared, for he - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Was a love-child owned of no family. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Celia was her half-sister, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wondrous sweet and like to her, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So like that she had fled lest she - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For Bianca's self should mistaken be. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ciro, son of a noble name, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loved this girl, therefore he came - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To give his life, if need should be, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He loved her life so utterly. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oft in the hush of a summer's night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When earth has rest from the savage might - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of flaming suns, and starlight sheds - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kindness of dew on flowers' heads, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And birds have got them away to rest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These lads had whispered breast to breast - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of the joy they felt and happy thrills - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When they heard so much as the shaken frills - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of these they loved in the passing by; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And then, betwixt a sob and sigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had dreamed of a day when they should wed. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Vain dream! Vain dream! now here, instead, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With Bianca fled to the hill-side tower - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They should strain and hearken hour by hour, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With clutching hands and bated breath, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For man's last bride—the Woman, Death. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thus they sat a lengthy while - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till one face lit with a wandering smile: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Come now, my lords," Bianca said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Why sit ye heavy-eyed and sad? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Men say ye each have loved a maid; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Surely, I think, I should be glad - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To draw so near for an hour or two - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The maid I loved, though well I knew - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The early mom should find me dead." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then he who loved her, laughed and said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, lady mine, I will be bold - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too long my love hath lain untold; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet mine was not an unshared sorrow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But grief for thine and thy sad to-morrow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If my lord, thy father, fail to send - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His cavalry." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - 'God will defend - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His maid," she said, "God will provide. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, if to Rimini I ride, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I shall be glad recalling this, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That thou did'st not withhold thy kiss - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When all my loves had forsaken me." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Aye love, brief love, sweet love," sighed he, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou art more than life—far more, far more." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So through that night, by the fast-locked door, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They spake of lové till they drooped to sleep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor heard at dawn the wary creep - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of one who traced the outer-wall, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And found the marks of their foot-fall. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When mists were lifting off the sky - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They sprang from dreams at a sudden cry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And gazed with startled eyes around: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "'Tis naught," they laughed, "'twas a country - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - sound— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A late-awakened bird did call, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A wind blew through the water-fall. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Tis naught—'tis naught." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But afar they heard - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A wail not made by beast or bird; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A hungry moan, long-drawn and low, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Give us the daughter of Abramo." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She stretched her arms along the wall - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And leant aside as she would fall, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And cowered low 'neath her yellow hair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As though its weight were too much to bear. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, "Oh, sweet God, dear God," she cried, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hark how they come! They ride, they ride! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What ill have I ever done to Thee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That men should bum my fair body? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stoop from Thy skies and succour me." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Yea, God hath stooped. Fear not, dear heart, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For I and Ciro will play God's part, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Celia sweet shall comfort thee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While we brand these dogs of Rimini." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With hurried feet they clomb the stair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And quickly gained the outer air, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And ghostly saw through the morning haze - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The winding funeral arrays - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of Ugo's knights and warrior-men. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dumbly they watched, and heard often - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their hunting cry borne down the breeze. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Corrado laughed with an ugly ease, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thus it is he comes with these: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Strong stallions, lances, Genoese— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To take one slim and fragrant girl! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, Ciro mine, our hands shall hurl - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These valiant fighters from the wall, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though we be lads and they be tall. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If God there be above us all, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then love shall give us strength this day." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Down on the stones they kneeled to pray - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That He who brought their lives to be - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should crown their loves with victory. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They rose and flew their heraldry: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An evening star, a saffron sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And on the sea, the star below, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The dry-shod pard of Reggio. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No answer made the sable foe, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But round the tower, with footsteps slow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Paced till his journeys numbered three; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then from the host one silently, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thrust on a spear for mockery, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And raised the head of Abramo. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swift round the tower in mirthless rout - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They raced and tossed the words about, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>"Bianca of the yellow hair, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With witch-face white as ivory, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yield to our might that we may bear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy body back to Rimini," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Twas thus the foemen cried all day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And strove to daunt with fierce display - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of armoured strength her maiden heart, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that with them she might depart - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To shameful death in Rimini. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bianca, in the vault below, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crouched at her prayers and did not know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This death, and of her father's shame; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But heard their shouts and heard her name. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, little hands," she softly sighed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wherefore should ye be crucified, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What have ye done that men should see - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Naught in your grace, save witchery? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, yellow hair, so like the sun, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What is this sin that thou hast done - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That men should have such hate of thee? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sweet grave face of ivory, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So made for love and for desire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Why should they crave thee for the fire? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fire of love was meant for thee." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her sister bent and kissed the hands - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which hung straight down like two white wands, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hid her lips in a yellow tress, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And kissed the breasts where they met the dress, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And laid her cheek on the weary face - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To wipe away each tear's distress, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To cleanse of grief each grievous place. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And this for thee," she said and kissed. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And this for thee," and held each wrist. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And this for thee," and met the lips. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As priest in sacred water dips - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His hand at last confessional - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To purge each thoroughfare of sense - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bring again lost innocence, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So she made pure and perfect all. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shrill through their peace shrieked the battle- - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - call, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Per Jesum Christum! Reggio! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Have at them Death! They fall, they fall!" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hoarse, hard-breathed, the wall below, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Surged up the wrath of the hungry foe, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Give USs the daughter of Abramo." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fierce through that day the struggle went, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And blood was spilt and swords were bent. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The sun sank bloody in the West; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The day died bitter and unblest. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The mountains strained against the sky - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And angrily, as they would try - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To wrench from earth their trampled gowns. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An eagle o'er the upland downs - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hung poised, then beat his wings, as he - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Refused to share man's cruelty. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At nightfall, when the host withdrew, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A spearman, whom they counted dead, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In dying strength raised up his head - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sped a poisoned dart, which slew - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ciro, who from the tower's height - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Leaned out to watch the evening light. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thus of four there remained but three. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Celia clomb the winding stair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thought of how her yellow hair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Could save the three, if she should dare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To yield herself to Rimini. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For I am very like to her," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She said, "so like that if I were - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To feign myself for my sister - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By night—this night if I should go, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I think the Count would never know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till they were safe and I was burned." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The last bend in the stair she turned - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And halted as she gained the roof, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stretched her gaze abroad for proof - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of where her lover might keep guard. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, where a shafted moonbeam barred - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An alcove of gray masonry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His face shone out, so tranquilly - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She thought him sleeping; but his eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Were wide, intent on her and wise - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beyond the sight of living men. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Softly she called to him and, when - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He answered not, 'twas then she knew. . . - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She kissed his forehead, and withdrew - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her tired feet adown the stair. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bianca kneeled entranced in prayer - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And noticed not her passing by, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But counted fast her rosaRy. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Corrado, touched upon the arm, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Reeled as he turned in fierce alarm. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She said, "We change the watch this hour. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I will abide; guard you the tower." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, as he set his foot to go, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me, dear friend, for you must know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We may not ever meet again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This war has brought us so much pain." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He gazed on her a tender while, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And wondered at the gracious smile - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Around her lips. "While we are four," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He said, "we need not fear this war; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love is more than life ... far more, far more." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She answered, "Not while we are four." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, have no fear at all," he said; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "She prays for us, see how her head - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Is bowed in reverence to God." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He took his sword and clanking trod - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The stone-paved vault and winding stair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till she could judge him mounting where - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Another turn would bring to sight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her dead love's face in the shafted light - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where the moonbeam washed the turret white. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She bared her feet and crept the floor, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With eager hands wrenched loose the door, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And weeping passed into the night. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The dawn thrust up a wild white face - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stared toward the lonely place, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where through the vigil, hour by hour, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Corrado guarded well the tower. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It seemed his own reflected face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So wannish and so wide of eye; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The lips moved and he caught their sigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I am thyself and I must die." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus did he learn the uttermost, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The live man meeting his own ghost, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And knew that surely he must die. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The sun flashed up; the face was fled. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By night he knew he must be dead. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He leaned beyond the parapet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To scan the rocky pass if yet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Some help might wind around the hill. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The morning air was very still; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He heard the noise of climbing feet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of something dragged across the peat, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And saw two knights who, drawing near, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bore that which clogged his heart with fear— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A white gown, sown with golden threads - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which held the light as do the meads - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When dandelions toss their heads - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mid meadow-sweet and field-clover, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which poppy-leaves drift red over— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A long white gown and smirched with red, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hands so still, they must be dead. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They laid her on a grass-grown bank - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And loosed about her neck the stole, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that her gold hair round her sank - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To frame a burning aureole.- - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How now, ye dogs of Rimini, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What crime is this that ye have done - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To show to God's new-risen sun, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which he will tell God secretly?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And one in shame drew back a pace, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And one raised up his vizored face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No crime, Sir Knave. God's work, I trow. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Give us the witch, and we will go— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The match to this, from Reggio." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We have no witch, as well ye know." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, as he spake, he heard with pain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their scornful laugh. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To make things plain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The black knight pitched his voice and said - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And pointed, "Ho sir, turn your head; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The witch stands by you even now." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The world across his eyes and brow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Streamed scarlet. By his side she stood, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her eyes bent on a distant wood - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wherein the shadows came and went, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where horsemen from their stallions leant - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All eager for the bugle cry. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We fight in vain," he heard her sigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God wills it thus, that I should die." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nay, courage, sweetheart, while I stand - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With strength to grasp a sword in hand - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No harm shall come thee nigh nor by." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But she had seen that on the hill - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which made her moan, so that she still - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kept looking and, "Oh, Christ," she sobbed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What is that thing so palely robed?" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her shadow slid throughout the space - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Until it reached across the face - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of that dead maid, until their lips - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Strained to the kiss, their finger-tips - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Met at the touch. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The enemy - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shouted, "A witch, yea, verily, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - See how her shade feeds on the dead." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, I must go to her," she said: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She sleeps alone, alone, alone." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her thin hands grazed against the stone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So blindly did she walk, her throat - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stretched back, her hair far out did float - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like sun-clouds following the sun. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He followed her, passed down the stair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On through the vault and halted where - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She paused to swing the iron door; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, out upon the trampled moor. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, where the dead girl lay, she knelt - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And made of her fair arms a belt - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Around the corse; there, with her hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wiped clean the face of earth and blood; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, with her mouth, rebuked the stare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of those strange eyes; last, made all good - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By placing in the hands for rood - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That which she pluck't from out the breast. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They watched if God should stand the test. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, see," she cried, "God is awake, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The dagger's bloodstains weep and make - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Large tears of red: the metal bleeds!" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If Lord God is awake and heeds, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He must heed quickly." So he said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For wading up the river-bed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Half-hid between its tree-topped banks, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He caught the gleam of horses' flanks - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, mingled with the water's flow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The low-breathed panting of the foe. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, God doth heed, and even now - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His finger burns across each brow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His final lettering of doom: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not one of these beyond Hell's gloom - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shall thrive to win a Heavenly home." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The words fell so remote and meek - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She seemed not her own self to speak, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But with her eyes to voice the spell - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which should bring true the oracle. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He caught her hand. "Come quick," - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - cried, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Come back, dear heart! See where they ride - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With sword in hand across the grass - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To thwart us, so we may not pass - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Within the tower-gate." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - "Too late," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She said: "We may not win the gate. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet now, true friend, though I must burn - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At Rimini, time is to learn - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One little lesson more of love: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What would you?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "That I die your knight." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Eh, truly?" So she held above - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And touched him with his jagged sword, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And whispered low the crowning word - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which flooded all his face with light. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He said, "I shall not fear to die." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She raised him, smiling wondrously, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor I to ride to Rimini, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When you have died my knight." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Twelve lancers circled into sight. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Count Ugo gallopped through the green - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And laughed at that which he had seen. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet one lover more?" scoffed he, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God's death, you use them royally; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Maids grow less bold in Rimini." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My only lover and my last," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She said. He scowled and caught her fast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Twisting his steel-glove in her hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Jerked back her head, her eyes on him, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that her throat and breasts shone bare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Above her corset's jewelled rim. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too good for fuel," he hissed, "too fair; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet those pale cheeks, this yellow hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Were not too good to deal out death. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Eh? Hark to what the vixen saith, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'She did not sin, nor meant to kill.' - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My son lies dead, say what you will; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lies dead because of you, you witch, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While leprous things in our town's ditch - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crawl, mate, and spawn beneath God's sky; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Therefore. . . - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He raised his hand on high - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As he would smite her upturned face. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A sword leapt flashing down through space - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And lopt the coward at the joint. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Corrado on his blade's red point - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pricked up the hand, "Tis thus we use - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our dastard knights, whose hands abuse - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our womenfolk in Reggio." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The thunder rumbled long and low. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh hark," she cried, "God is awake; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He walks communing for our sake." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, He hath sent me here to take - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your wilful body to the fire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till all is marred that men desire. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Slay me that boy," Count Ugo said. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One, who stood near, smote off his head. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She hid her eyes so as not to see, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shuddered, swung round convulsively, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stooped as a broken lily dips - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To kiss the water—kissed his lips; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then dumbly rode to Rimini. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And every pace the march along - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The hunters sang their hunting song, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - <i>" Bianca of the yellow hair, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With witch-face white as ivory, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy tender body back we bear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To die the death in Rimini." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Within the lands of rising night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fields of departing day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What hours we wandered, you and I, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How fain were we to stay! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Star-flowers were in your maiden hands— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The stars were white with May. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Between moon-set and morning sun - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where mist of the Dreamland lies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What glory there was yours and mine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What love was in our eyes! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For Sleep and Love walk hand-in-hand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Sleep with morning flies. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our star-lit land was wholly ours, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No warning of beast or bird - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perturbed the twilight of our peace, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No watchers' tread was heard; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We dwelt alone and loved alone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Naught save our lips was stirred. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would that this holiest mystery - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Might come again to me! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The radiance of thy moon-lit face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The eyes of purity— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The wide gray eyes, the beckoning lips, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The silent cloudland sea. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - DAYBREAK - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - In frenzied haste, by legioned shadows pressed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Chariot of Charity in flight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Glittered along the Parapet of Night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With wheels of gold fast whirling to the West. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bridging with flame the barricaded Deep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It strove with sparking hoof and spangled heat, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where those twin rivers, Death and Life, retreat, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And surge across the Agony of Sleep. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I, to my casement, stark with horror crept; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Day tottered tall, and breathed a shuddering - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - breath: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wading, knee-deep, the turgid fords of Death, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He clomb the cloven cliff of Dawn—and leapt. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A hand of ivory caught up the rein; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Chariot rolled back superb again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - HOME - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - We shall not always dwell as now we dwell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Together 'neath one home-protecting roof. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For some of us our lives may not go well: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Gainst such small perils courage will be proof, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Gainst stronger ills these memories may be proof; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To some of us this life may say farewell— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We cannot always dwell as now we dwell. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What though we dwell not then as now we dwell? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hearts can recover hearts, when hearts are fain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While love stays with us everything is well; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The roof of love is proof against the rain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dead hands will guard our hearts against the rain— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love will abide when all have said farewell: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our hearts may ever dwell as now they dwell. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - VANISHED LOVE - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - When my love was nigh me - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Naught had I to say: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then I feigned a false love— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And turned my lips away. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When my love lay dying, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sorrowing I said, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - 'Soon shall I wear scarlet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Because my love is dead.' - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When my love had vanished, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then was nothing said: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I forgot the scarlet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For tears—and bowed my head. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THALATTA! THALATTA! - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Not with a cry, nor with the stifled sound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of one who 'neath Death's billows of Despair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thrusts up blue lips toward the outer air, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Searching if any breathing may be found; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who plucks with groping finger-tips to rend - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The water's edges for a fraction's space, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through which he may push up his haggard face - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For one last look—the last before the end. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As a broad river, having journeyed far - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Constrained by banks—too often fretfully— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Neath a full moon goes rocking out to sea - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sombred by night, cheered by a rising star, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So may my days move murmurously to rest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Throbbed through with Death who knew Life's - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - sorrows best. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - TO ENGLAND'S GREATEST SATIRIST - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Untriend to man and darkly passionate, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sneering in solitude, wide-winged for flight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lest one, from all our world, should read thee right - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And pity thee thy self-lured madman's fate, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Why did'st thou strive so well to tempt our hate? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Are we not comrades through the self-same night? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Caravan of Kindness, out of sight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We also follow—and arrive o'erlate. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou, having failed thy Heaven, did'st scoff in - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hell. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fiercely disguising, too much thou did'st dare; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We caught the jangle of the cap and bell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And seeking, saw a quivering heart laid bare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When thou wast dead—a sequel which did spell - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The pangs of love—"only a woman's hair." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - [<i>N. B. "In a note in his biography, Scott says that his friend, Doctor - Tuke of Dublin, has a lock of Stella's hair, enclosed in a paper by Swift, - on which are written, in the Dean's hand, the words: 'Only a woman's - hair.' An instance, says Scott, of the Dean's desire to veil his feelings - under the mask of cynical indifference."—Thackeray in his Essay on - Dean Swift.</i>] - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Years hence we two—I who wept yesterday, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You who with death-chilled hands unheeding lay— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gazing from Heaven adown the sky's wild face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seeing this pigmy planet churning space, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Do you remember?" then we two shall say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Quite in the dear old-fashioned worldly way, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Do you remember, in a former age, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What happened in that girdled finite cage?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And you, through joy having forgot your pain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Laughing will shake your head and rack your brain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Clasping my hand and thinking all in vain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No," you will say, "it is a distant way - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From grief to God; my memories go astray." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, I, staring athwart the jewelled pit - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which God hath dug between the infinite - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the great little loss of death's decay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Will tell you all that happened yesterday. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Don't you recall, dear, how the fierce blow came? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Earth was at Spring-tide, all the fields aflame; - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hope was just freed from Winter's servitude - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And songsters through the tree-tops he had strewed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And promises of greenness in the wood, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While you, dear, grew in grace to womanhood." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then you: "I would remember if I could, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But all is vague. Faint, like a far off strain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I catch the rustle of field-flowers again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hear the muffled skirmish of the rain." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Don't you recall, dear, anything of pain?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nothing," you whisper. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then I tell to you - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How in a week from life to death you grew, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your spirit yearning Godward, as did fail - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The strength of your white body, lily-pale; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How through long nights and seven too brief - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - days - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I held you fast, and flattered God with praise, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Calling Him every kind endearing name, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hoping my love would fill His heart with shame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of doing that deed which He meant to do. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What happened?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God was wise and He took you." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Strange!" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Ah yes, dearest, human loves are strange; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Change seems so final in a world of change. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through the last night I watched your fluttering - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - breath, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Desperate lest the unseen hand of Death - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should touch you, still you e'er I was aware, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Leaving me nothing save your golden hair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the wide doors of an abandoned place, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the wise smiling of your quiet face— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The perishable chalice of your grace. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "'In Heaven they all are serious,' so you said - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In your delirium. You shake your head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Denying what I surely heard you say. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since then you've seen the boys and girls at - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - play - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Climbing the knees of God. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - "Listen again. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Far out across the gulf you see a stain— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Follow my hand—a smudge, a blur of gray; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That is the world. Though you forget the day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We lived there once, suffered, had joy, laughed, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - loved, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And in sweet worship of each other moved. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then you fell sick and, while I held your hand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One took you .... - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Ah, you do not understand! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only field-flowers you remember well. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This seems an idle fable that I tell; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then never trouble, dear; forget the pain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - See, here comes God; perhaps He will explain." - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - IN THE GLAD MONTH OF MAY - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - In the glad month of May, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When morning was breaking, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She rose from her body - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And vanished away. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From a tree cloaked in gray - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A shrill bird kept calling, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Come quick. God is waiting. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He cannot delay." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We had no heart to pray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, seeing her glory, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Said, "Go, little sister; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God needs you to-day." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Very stilly she lay: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The bird had ceased calling— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We let in the morning - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And kissed her dear clay. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE LILIES BLOOM - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - The lilies bloom above her head - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All unaware that she is dead. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The small brown birds, with folded wing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Do not one whit less blithely sing. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The sun goes on his usual round, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seeking die quiet she has found. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And God looks down on everything, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And that is why the small birds sing. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - HERE, SWEET, WE LAY - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Here, sweet, we lay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy sorrow and pain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Earth will resolve them to gladness again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lily-white hands - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To lilies shall grow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Breath of thy body in breezes shall blow. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Languor and grief, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These Death could slay; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God took the portion which cannot decay. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou hast thy joy, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We have thy pain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Flame of a soul I shall know thee again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - OUT OF THE BLACKNESS - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Out of the blackness into the light, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From birth to death—a swallow's flight. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stars burning fainter, onward we strive. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Cauldron of dawn! The East's alive. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Joy in the journey, joy at the last; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Day in its splendour—darkness past! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In life's beginning clouds to be trod; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At its brave ending, sunrise—God. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From the veiled Hereafter - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whither you have fled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Snatches of your laughter - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Vaguely wed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With rustling of field-flowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Angel-stirred, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Guarded by God's towers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I have heard. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God, in His compassion, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Left Death's gate ajar - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So our faith might fashion - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where you are; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God's Mother walks beside you, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hand-in-hand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Lord Christ doth guide you, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through that Land. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - IF GOD SHOULD COME - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - If God should come to me and say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your little maiden, whom I took away - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But yesterday, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I will give back to you again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If so you say, when you have seen the pain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I did refrain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In love from letting her endure. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I knew death's surgery the only cure - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For one so pure. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Joy in my breast is sure." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then should He show me all the way, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weary at whiles, her feet must stray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had He decreed her death's delay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How should I choose? What should I say? - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A NEW TENANT - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - I watched for her in the night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I watched for her in the day— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But how could I hope to find her - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When her body had gone away? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I spoke to her in the rooms - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where she had been wont to play— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But how could my dearest answer - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When her body had gone away? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I searched for her in my heart, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And when it unfroze to pray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I knew that we shared one mortal house - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since hers had resolved to clay. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - LIFE WITHOUT THEE - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Life without thee would be, dearest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Eyes without sight; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Death, if thou stood'st not nearest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Night without light. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since thou Death's token wearest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Freedom from strife, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This I have learnt, my dearest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Death's name is Life. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ANSWERED PRAYER - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - We prayed that unto you, dear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God's best gifts might be given; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We wished to strew for you, dear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Earth's paths with Heaven. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We planned your life a May-day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When young flowers should be bom, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That you might stray the smooth way - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of gold-robed Morn. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We dared more than we knew, dear; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When half God's gifts were given, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He answered all our prayers, dear— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He gave you Heaven. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The shepherd is dead men tell me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He died upon a tree - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Springtide was befalling - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Field-flowers in Galilee; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But whenever the wind is blowing - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Straight out from the East or West, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I can hear his brave voice calling, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Come after me. Come after me. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rise up, rise up and follow me— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I am Christ, thy rest." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, rising I quickly gird me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For wherever Christ may be, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The land where he is staying - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He turns to Galilee; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through whose vales when the wind is blowing - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From meadows his feet have blest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He aye calls to his loved ones saying, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Come after me. Come after me. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rise up, rise up and follow me— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where I am, is rest." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I seek him in every day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I travel land and sea - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From dawn till dusk is falling - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And God hangs lamps for me. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But whenever the wind is blowing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - 'Tis then that I find him best; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For I hear his brave voice calling, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In seeking me, thou followest me; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then where thou art is Galilee, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I am—thy rest." - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - IN BEDLAM - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Lord, there is music in my world to-day. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For this I thank Thee; once again I hear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The foamy clash of cymbals and the grave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hoarse-throated shout of brass which is repulsed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the clear triumph of unvanquished pipes— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Battles against stringed instruments and fifes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which angels wage from organ-stops in Heaven. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I, through the hostile grating of my cell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Can tiptoe just discern where warrior clouds - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Chum smoking broken waters in their wakes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which unseen challengers, the winds, do chase, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Drowning their anger to a tranquil depth, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till in blue sky-weed unrevenged they lie - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like gaunt Armada galleons long since sunk. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So all is calm again, and I look out - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With prison'd eyes upon Thy travelling world. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A breath of flowers is in the air to-day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Spring flowers which have not bloomed for many - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - months, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which, for my sake, have come to life this day. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I cannot see them, they grow far from here - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With feet entangled in the green, gray earth. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They too are prisoners from their earliest birth, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet they have flung their fragrance forth to me - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That I, a captive mind, may share their joy. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now, as I listen, laughter dies away; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In Earth's tall tree-tops, dim and out of sight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I hear the mining beak of one small bird, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Striving for freedom with its puny strength. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now the shell breaks; it struggles into life; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Its mother's wings enfold it; it is safe. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Far down beneath the nest the forest sighs, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swaying its branches, as it too would say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>"I will protect thee from the driving rain, </i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My leaves shall cover thee, so have no dread" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I also in my ruined strength would pray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "<i>God grant thee rest, and shelter thee from fear</i>" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If I should live the seasons round again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And God vouchsafe me one more summer's day - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of utter peace, perchance thy voice I'll hear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Trilling in confidence from some cool glade— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thus my madman's prayer will be repaid. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Laughter breaks forth again; the world is glad. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There's music in the very rocks to-day. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, through my sullen bars the red sun peers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And stains my confines with his golden smile; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God shakes His happiness abroad to-day. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - See, I will rake this yellow harvest home - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And treasure it against a sadder hour, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Winter's mantled all our stars in night. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When that shall be, I'll paint my walls with gold, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loosen my breast and let the sun's rays free, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Re-capture them and hoard them up again; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And so will halt the summer at its prime. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lord, I am mad; but Thou canst heal my mind. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Once, not long since—long after Thou hadst made - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bastioned with grace my living soul— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou, in a careless hour, didst plan my frame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Moulding my body from the oozy day; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, just before Thy task was most complete, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Didst nod, and drowse, and waking didst forget - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy task unfinished—so was I bom mad; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So was my perfect soul a bondsman made - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To serve vile lusts of my imperfect brain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hast Thou to-day remembered Thy mistake? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This mom I wakened, found that I was sane, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beheld the East as no unchartered dread - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Threat'ning the world with universal fire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But as Thy kindness held aloft for men; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then craned I forth my hands to dutch Thy winds, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor shrank from them as fore-runners of Death. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Father, before the Darkness falls again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Before my soul wends backward to the Night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Grant unto me Thy earliest gift to Man, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Form me in image godlike to Thyself. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Is it beyond Thy power to make me well? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou weakling God! then send me down Thy - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Christ, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He whose strong pity hath dethroned Thy might, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And made a man a worthier god than Thou: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For he in peasant lands of Galilee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Did love, and love, and love till his heart brake; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He took away the anguish of men's pain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By spending all their pain on his own life; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He drove away the shadows from men's minds - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By giving them himself, who was the Light. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah Christ, that thou hadst not been crucified! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wert thou still living by the fishers' lake, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then thou hadst heard me half across the world; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though from the Andes, I had cried to thee, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still hadst thou heard, and come from Palestine - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only to stretch thy cooling hands on me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only to rest thy cooling hands in mine— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Those gentle hands, by bleeding feet borne thence. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A SONG OF IGNOBLE EASE - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - When Pleasure's found, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Away with the tear; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Grief's a starved hound, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pursued by lean Fear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Life is a round - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of languor and pain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Joy is found, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Go forth not again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Music's a sound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which guides men to rest; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love is the bound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That ends every quest. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lie down to rest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Slay fragile Pain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Vanquish lean Fear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Away with the Tear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Finish thy quest - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And strive not again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sick I had been, and very sore afraid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Baffled of life, and lost to every hope, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hounded by dread, pursued and left dismayed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Standing alone, abandoned and afraid. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then did I ask, "What now is left to say? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Why should I question? Wherefore should I - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - strive? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Man was made thus, to fail and creep away; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus was Man made, and there is naught to say." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, I was weak, and blind with too much pain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bankrupt and blind, all feeble in my tread; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would I might touch one friendly hand again— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Find love to rid me of this too much pain." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I spoke in fear, and knew not what I said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thought not of anguish hands of love must share, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lonely I was, because my hope was dead, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yearning and sad. I knew not what I said. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then did One come who laid His hands in mine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One who did kiss my poor unseeing eyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Tenderly led to where the stars do shine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Speaking kind words, He placed His hands in mine. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There did I see the trees go riding by - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Moved by the wind, and heard the nightingale - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Carol and slur, and sing, and sob, and sigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wing-mounted moths, and angels riding by. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then did I seek to see the healing friend; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But He had vanished. I was left alone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, where He stood, my body I did bend, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weeping in prayer, to Him my healing friend. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A WISH FOR HER - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Peace unto thee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wherever thou art, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Childlike companion, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Friend of my heart. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Joy unto thee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dear image of God; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Flowers are blowing - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where thou hast trod. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peace unto thee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And respite from pain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whiteness of raiment, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Freedom from stain. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love unto thee, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Remembrance of Heaven, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Tokens of Jesus - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By angels given. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peace unto thee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wherever thou art, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Christlike companion - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Made for my heart. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - WE MEET - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - We meet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In a lamp-lit street, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You and I— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Life is sweet. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Clouds' tumultuous feet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shake the sky; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They are all in retreat— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Death draws nigh. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Life is sweet— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With anonymous beat - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crowds surge by. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only I - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And my sweet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dare to linger and greet. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your lips sigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Time is fleet." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stars repeat, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "Life is sweet— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss her," they cry; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - "In an unlit street - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One day you must die." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus we meet. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - HEART-BREAK - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Lord God of Cities, how long must we wait - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bound in our Babylons of tawdry sin; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hast Thou so many other stars to win, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Is greed of conquest so insatiate? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or does Omnipotence design to take - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Example from the flaws of childhood's years, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And what of folly in Thy work appears - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou studiest for newer worlds' sweet sake? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nay, Thou art shamed of Thy first dwelling-place, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And we are wearied; neither of us know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How we may remedy Thy fault, and so - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With slow tired hands Thou coverest Thy face. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor Man! foredoomed to spurn such love as this! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sad God! what grief to make a world amiss! - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - UP AGAIN - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Down in the mud again! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thank God I'm up again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On through the rife of rain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Clouds, in their height, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gleam where some moon shines whit< - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thank God I'm up again! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stars are in sight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or will be in sight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This night or next night. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God be praised for the sight! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It's brave to be up again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If I should fall again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Why, I'll rise up again— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On through the rush of rain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Search out some light. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Somewhere on wings of white— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Praise God I'm up again— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Something's in flight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Star-flight or dawn-flight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hereward through the night. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God be praised for such flight! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It's glad to be up again. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - MASTERLESS - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - With tattered sail, as ships which driven are - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On whatsoever course the winds may list, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which every peaceful waterway have missed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And drift on open seas with shattered spar - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And gaping seam, which toss and sway and nod, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Remote from sight of land and hope of aid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So is the canvassed, crude conveyance made - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In which Man journeys to the port of God. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No pillow in his vessel rests the head - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of one who, sleeping, has the power to save— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who, when the clouds fly far, can calm the wave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And send it sobbing to the ocean bed. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Storm follows storm, the waters run more high; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Across the vain and vacant void of death - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We lilt with lifeless motion to each breath, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And grope grotesquely on, yet cannot die. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, for a respite from this weary place, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or else to see but once the Master's face! - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - With you the world's at evening-light, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With me the world's at day; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet in my heart I think 'tis night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While you are far away: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While you are far away, dear lad, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While you are far away, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There comes no dawn, nor change of light, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor any hope in day. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With you it nears the hour of sleep; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With me 'tis time to pray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That God may guide you o'er His deep - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Back from the Far-Away; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Home from the Far-Away, dear lad, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Back from the Far-Away, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That God may drift you home in sleep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bring me back my day. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Christ placed his hand in mine and said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Come, little child, for thou art mine." - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I kissed him', raising up my head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And whispered, "Yea, Lord, I am thine." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We wandered through white clover-flowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beside a murmuring brook all day; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When night led back the dream-tide hours - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Within his shepherd arms I lay. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Older I grew, until at last - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unto a clanging town we came; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Christ wept for me, but in I passed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Alone. It was the town of Fame, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wherein are lands of diverse name— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Saffron East, the Purple West, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose walls enclose a Crimson Shame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But hold no Land of Quiet Rest. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weary I grew and sad, and lame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Until in scorn I heard one say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How to the gate there seeking came - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A wounded shepherd yesterday. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Painfully at the stroke of dawn - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I to the open country crept; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And on a distant dewy lawn - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I found Christ, while the city slept. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My crippled hands in his, I said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - O Lord and art thou truly mine?" - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Upon his breast he laid my head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, little child, am I not thine?" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - News, sent from far away, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Came unto me to-day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only these words to say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lo, he is dead." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He, who to comfort me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Laughing right merrily, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Said, "Think, how glad we'll be - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When I return." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He, strumming out Hope's song - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wending lone lands among, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swept Life's harp overstrong— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Felt the strings break. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I shall return, you know," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So he spake long ago; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How brave our love must grow," - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wrote a week since. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then news, from far away, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Came unto me this day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only these words to say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lo, <i>he</i> is dead." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - "<i>The Terror by Night: the Arrow by Day: the Pestilence walking in - Darkness: the Destruction wasting at Noonday.</i>" - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou Demon Fear, Assassin of Delight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who makest impotent Man's royal might, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Turning to poverty his wealth of days - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With hushed pursuit of him in all his ways, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whence art thou come, from what dead land of - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Night? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Speak, only speak, occult, accursèd shade, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who ne'er to human eyes hast yet displayed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thine awful shape; ah, could we only hear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy thin, pale voice! Thy ghastly step draws - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - near, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But bring not <i>thee</i>—therefore we grow afraid. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What things men fear they do not dare to say - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lest, thus provoked, Fate should no more delay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But run on them and wreak those ills they dread: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To Death we kneel, to God we bow the head; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet of our fears we have the most dismay. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We fear our fears, but thee, Oh Fear, we hate, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For thou with all our sins art intimate - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As He who made us; crimes wrought long ago, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Follies and half-faults, each one thou dost know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And dost avenge with rods deliberate. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, were this all, our lives might yet go well - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For, since we suffer here the pains of Hell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Heav'n should be certain, Death—God's just - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - reprieve. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But thou with vain forebodings dost conceive - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To break our hearts, and turn us infidel. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh for that silence, virgin of all sound, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Vast, uncalamitous which did abound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Darkness, drooping from Eternity, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Trailed his slow pinions o'er Time's tideless - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - sea - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Before Fear was called forth from underground. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then Quiet, from the Nothingness of Space, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gazed down on Chaos with untroubled face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Such as babes have who enter Life still-born; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For Evening Strife, nor Hurricane of Morn, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had then perturbed God's wonted resting-place. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now, though through utterest lands we wend our - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - way, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We hear thy footstep, so we cannot stay; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, though we search out Peace in dreams by - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too soon we know thee following our flight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And shrieking wake, and clamour for new-day. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only Man's bygone days are truly sweet: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>This day</i> is darkened by <i>To-morrow's</i> threat, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>To-morrow</i> by the menace of <i>To-day;</i> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From out the Past is fled away for aye - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The grinding doubt of possible defeat. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah, were we wise, our lives 'tis thus we'd spend: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Because the Past glides onward without end, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Engulfing <i>our </i>To-day and <i>our</i> Hereafter, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We'd greet This Day, or Next, with careless - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - laughter - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As 'twere the Past, and so our fortunes mend. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too weak are we, too diligent in doubt, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This fiend with sage philosophy to flout; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When all his lawful issue fail his need, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fear doth with harlot Fancy quickly breed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Frenzy, to put Tranquillity to rout. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nightly earth's infants, garret-roofs beneath, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wake shuddering and hark, with indrawn breath - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And small clenched hands and faces woe-begone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till through the creaking gloom there mounteth - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - one - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whom they in ignorance mistake for Death. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor are we braver when we older grow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For still "'Tis Death!" we sob. "'Tis Death! Ah - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - woe, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Deep woe, is me!" whene'er thou drawest nigh: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Therefore, Oh Fear, full many times men die - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Dissolution's torments undergo. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Man, who was made in image like to God, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whom angels tended wheresoe'er he trod - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With glad huzzas and harpings all the way, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So that the untamed beasts allowed his sway, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Cringes a coward 'neath thine up-raised rod. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Secret Chastiser of our secret heart, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Speak, but this once, to tell us who thou art; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whether the hound that runs before Death's - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - feet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Discrowned Imagination in retreat, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or Echo, of our own flight the counterpart - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like God, most silent ever thou dost keep. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thine eyes must be as God's, which never sleep - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But watch, aye watch, and know us all in all. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, can it be, that thou art but the call - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of God, the Shepherd, guarding o'er His sheep? - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ABANDON - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Just to be true to one grand swift desire - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which shall all other furious faiths outpace; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To run with strength an uncontested race - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till, knowing how the soul is catching fire - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And generous flame is clambering through the - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - heart— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For Self, what though heroic, is not best— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I grasp my life and hurl it with the rest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Joining myself to God—a puny part. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One holy thing to fail for—thus to die; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To give men love, who knew before remorse; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, meekly seek with Christ some scornful - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Cross, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But leave the world more kind in passing by— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In piercing through the covering doth of night - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To lodge one star, and vanish strong in flight. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me," she said, "for I must die - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ere any star his flight hath ta'en, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And cold and unperturbed shall lie - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Night doth pace our earth again. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thou, dear love, if thou should'st weep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And if thy heart with anguish break, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From sweet sad dreams thy solace take - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And lose thy pain in painless sleep. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me, dear love, for I must die - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And cold and unperturbed shall lie." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me, dear friend, for now I feel - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That thou art as a glimpse of God; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - More tender passions through me steal - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Than when this wayward world I trod. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lie still, dear heart, and do not speak— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God would not stoop to such as me; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With silent mouth and noiselessly - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I would my grave Creator seek. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me, dear love, for now I feel - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - More noble passions through me steal." - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me, this last, for I must flee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From all I loved and cherished here, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now must go distressfully - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bereft, in solitude and fear. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, when your eyes are closed in sleep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I shall descend the starry steeps - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where Leon for her lover weeps - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And tired hands have naught to reap. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Kiss me, dear love, alone I flee - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To meet unknown Eternity." - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - MAN'S BEGINNING - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - When God was young and wandered through the - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - skies - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Supreme and unadored, content to be - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The only vessel on His starry sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He had no wish for sight of other eyes. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, as the years flew by, He older grew, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And held less dear the loneliness He found, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When from some long-since reign He caught the - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - sound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of play-mate deities, whom once He knew. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Half-heedlessly He stooped toward a star - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And kissed its silver lips, when forth there came - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A little god, in speech like to those same - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dear children whom in sleep He heard afar. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Father God pulsated through His heart, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He cried, "O Child, my little son thou art." - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - LOVE AT LAST - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - When I have looked upon Thy face - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I hear a wandering discontent - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wail through my living, and retrace - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The leaf-strewn paths my feet frequent. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Folly abode within a glade - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And saw my flight and, laughing, bade - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Me greet her lips and kiss her hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till I was fain to kiss her there. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But Thou art sad and dost not speak, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So sad and sorrowful art Thou; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thine eyes are scarred, my eyes they seek, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And cruel marks have marred Thy brow. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pleasure laid hands on me and mine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She crowned my head with tangled vine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her arms about my neck lay bare; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I was constrained to kiss her there. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yea, Thou hast suffered. This I tell - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By those long wound-prints in Thy hands; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mankind has never used Thee well, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And loves not Thee, nor Thy commands. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bitterness found me desolate - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And kissed me with the breath of hate; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since Folly fled, she bade me wear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her angry scarlet in my hair. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now, as I look into Thy face, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Despised and battered though it be, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Visage of scorn in every place, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I know that I belong to Thee. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Worthless these lips to give the kiss— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And yet I dare, recalling this, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When Life's last lovers left me bare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy patient face was constant there. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE MIRROR OF THOUGHT - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - When earnest-eyed we conversed through the - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - night, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Recalled past pleasure, followed up the hour - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With plaintive music—sad memorial flower - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of melancholy and of old delight— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rode bold as Taillefer with tossing brand - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Across the hills of fancy, chanting strains - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of ancient chivalry, while loud refrains - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rumbled responsive through our faery band, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then Courage kindled Courage, making gay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Carnage and conflict, poverty and fear; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The path to glory golden did appear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I was brave to wend it any day. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A far-blown cry of love and minstrelsy, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Revealed to me myself as I would be. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - I'M SORRY - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - I'm sorry, dear— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But I did not know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That behind your eyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where the joy-fields grow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And dance to the joy of dancing skies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There were forests where graver flowers rise; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weighted with shadow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They stand tiptoe: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So I'm sorry, dear— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I did not know. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I'm sorry, dear. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As we older grow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There will come a day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May its feet move slow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When we, where the life-fields fade to gray - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the skies dance not, shall have naught to say, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Met by a Shadow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In voices low, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, "I'm sorry, God— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I did not know." - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - DREAMLAND LOVE - </h2> - <p class="indent15"> - Here in the Far Land of our own begetting, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crouched on the haunted cliff begirt by sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hushed in the murmurous swell of dim waves - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - fretting - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Walls and sheer rocks which cradle you and me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How shall we lisp of older worlds and cities? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How shall we sigh for newer worlds to be? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Naught here is left of moanings or of pities, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only the whispered silence of the sea. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We had no stars to shine our curved prows hither, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor had we moons to guide us fearlessly, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Only the age-long yearnings of the river - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bruised by steep banks and aching for the sea; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rivers whose tides grow tired of earthly lilies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too full of splendour to last so long as we, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rivers whose length-long craving and strong will is - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Once to see space, and then to cease to be. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hither we journeyed sunset-ways by water, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I in my phantom keel of Poesy, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You in Sleep's arms, of whom you are the daughter, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till in my arms Sleep laid you noiselessly. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Down through the dusk our dreamland barque - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - drove gleaming, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Under gray sails, through gradual groves of sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till from your eyes I saw the love-light streaming, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And gave the kiss which set your spirit free. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All the fair glories of our first beginnings - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We did forsake to gain this quiet place; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Passions we left, and fears, and youthful sinnings; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Virtues we left, and early signs of grace. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dreamings we brought and beauty of the May- - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - time, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All else we flung to where Time's whirlwinds race. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Timeless are we in this our godlike play-time, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since Sleep has led us gently face to face. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gray glide the mists around our ocean's edges, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gray grope the tides across the gray-paved sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gray clings the foam about our granite ledges, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Naught, naught remains to safeguard you from - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - me. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These axe the souls who watch us at our dreaming, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Spirits of mist, of spray-dashed crag and sea; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All, all is hushed, save your gray eyes deep gleaming, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Eyes of veiled flame in caves of mystery. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like frozen stars, we watched each other's shining, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wondered with pain if any time might be, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When we should lean beyond our own divining, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Touching the lips of others such as we, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till I grew faint within my lonely heaven, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sank through the cloudland stretched twixt you - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - and me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Plunged through the thunder where firmaments - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - rocked riven, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So gave the kiss which set your spirit free. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We must go hence, when flames the tyrant morning, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We shall go hence at breaking of new day; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We, like the stars strange midnight lands adorning, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We must go hence, steal separately away. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet, like the stars, perchance we may glide burning - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When round the earth the skies are growing gray; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - We to our haunted cliff may sail returning, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nearing the crags where yesternight we lay. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thus from the Far Land of our own begetting - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I must depart across Sleep's sundering sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Throughout the Sim Land wander inly fretting, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till night drifts back restoring you to me; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till through the dark I see Love's pennons streaming, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When you will kiss and set my spirit free; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till through the dusk our dreamland barque drives - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - gleaming, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Under gray sails, through gradual groves of sea. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <div style="height: 6em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Florence On A Certain Night, by Coningsby Dawson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLORENCE ON A CERTAIN NIGHT *** - -***** This file should be named 52455-h.htm or 52455-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/4/5/52455/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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