AFTER DEATH. SONNET. THE HE curtains were half drawn, the floor was swept Lay thick upon the bed on which I lay, Where through the lattice ivy-shadows crept. And could not hear him; but I heard him say: "Poor child, poor child": and as he turned away Came a deep silence, and I knew he wept. He did not touch the shroud, or raise the fold To know he still is warm though I am cold. L AN END. OVE, strong as Death, is dead. Among the dying flowers : In the quiet evening hours. He was born in the Spring, To few chords and sad and low Sing we so: Be our eyes fixed on the grass Shadow-veiled as the years pass, While we think of all that was In the long ago. H MY DREAM. EAR now a curious dream I dreamed last night, I stood beside Euphrates while it swelled Till out of myriad pregnant waves there welled Yet if you will, why, hear it to the end. Each crocodile was girt with massive gold And polished stones, that with their wearers grew: But one there was who waxed beyond the rest, Wore kinglier girdle and a kingly crown, Whilst crowns and orbs and sceptres starred his breast. And special terror weighed upon his frown; So he grew lord and master of his kin : But who shall tell the tale of all their woes? An execrable appetite arose, He battened on them, crunched, and sucked them in. He knew no law, he feared no binding law, But ground them with inexorable jaw : And buried too, himself gorged to the full, What can it mean ask. answer not ? you For meaning, but myself must echo, What? And tell it as I saw it on the spot. SONG. ROSES for the flush of youth, And laurel for the perfect prime ; But pluck an ivy branch for me O violets for the grave of youth, And bay for those dead in their prime; Give me the withered leaves I chose Before in the old time. THE HOUR AND THE GHOST. BRIDE. LOVE, love, hold me fast, He draws me away from thee; I cannot stem the blast, Nor the cold strong sea : Beyond the hills and pines; It is lit for me. BRIDEGROOM. I have thee close, my dear, No terror can come near; Only far off the northern light shines clear. |