The Triumph Of Music Part 13

SONG.

I

Far over the summer sea, Ere the white-eyed stars wax pale, From the groves where a nightingale Wails a mystical melody, I turn my ghostly sail Away, away, To follow a face I see Far over the summer sea.

II

Far over the summer sea, Ere the cliff which highest soars From the foam re-echoing sh.o.r.es Reddens all rosily, Where the witch-white water roars, Far on, far on, Thro' the night I follow thee Far over the summer sea.

III

Far over the summer sea, When the great gold moon low lies In the purple-deepened skies I drift on tearfully Till a spirit form doth rise Low down, low down, 'Twixt the orbed moon and me Far over the summer sea.

IV

Far over the summer sea With thy foam-cold limbs wound sweet 'Round hair and throat and feet To slay me utterly; At each mad, hot heart beat A kiss, a kiss, To drain the soul with thee, Deep, deep in the summer sea.

FACE TO FACE.

Dead! and all the haughty fate Fair on throat and face of wax, White, calm hands crossed still and lax, Cold, impa.s.sionate!

Dead! and no word whispered low At the dull ear now could wake One responsive chord or make One wan temple glow.

Dead! and no hot tear would stir All that woman sweet and fair, Woman soul from feet to hair Which was once of her.

G.o.d! and thus to die! and I-- I must live though life be but One long, hard, monotonous rut, There to plod and--die!

Creeds are well in such a case; But no sermon could have wrought More of faith than you have taught With your pale, dead face.

And I see it as you see-- One mistake, so very small!

Yet so great it mangled all, Left you this and me!

Oft I pondered saying, "Sure She could never live such life!"

And the truth stabbed like a knife When I found you pure.

Pure, so pure! and me bemoiled, Loathly as loathed vermin, just As weak souls are left of l.u.s.t-- Loveless, low, and soiled.

Nay! I loved you then and love!-- Grand, great eyes, I see them yet, Set like luminous gems of jet In wax lids above.

Lips--O poor, dumb, chideless lips!

Once as red as life could make, Moist as wan wild roses wake When the wild dew drips.

Hair--imperial, full, and warm As a Grace's, where one stone Precious lay ensnared and shone Like a star in storm.

Eyes--at parting big with pain; G.o.d! I see them and the tear In them--big as eyes of deer Led by lights and slain!

Life so true! I falsely cursed-- Lips that, curled with scorn and pride, Hurt me though I said _they lied_, While the true heart burst.

Rest! my heart has suffered too: And this life had woe enough For the little dole of love Given to me and you.

Can you hear me? can you know What I am and how it came, You, beyond me like a flame, You, before me like the snow!

Dead! and all my heart a cup Hollowed for sad, bitter tears, Bitter in the bitter years Slowly br.i.m.m.i.n.g up.

Sleep! 'tis well! but might have been Better!--yes, G.o.d knows it might!

Better for me in His sight And my soul more clean.

Sleep in very peace! but I With Earth's other fools will stay, Live 'mid laughter, day by day Mocking laugh and--die.

You will know me now, I know, But in life had _never_ known How, indeed, I was alone-- But, 'tis better so.

And I know you what you were, Faithful and--it were no use, Only to yourself abuse,-- I shall tell you there.

There beyond the lightning and The long clouds and utter skies, Moons and suns and stars that rise, Where we'll understand.

THE CHANGELING.

I

There were Faeries two or three, And a high moon white as wool, Or a bloom in Faery, Where the star-thick blossoms be Star-like beautiful.

II

There were Faeries two or three, And a wind as fragrant as Spicy wafts from Arcady Rocked the sleeping honey bee In the clover gra.s.s.

III

There were Faeries two or three, Wee white caps and red wee shoon, Buckles at each dainty knee, "We are come to comfort thee, With the silver moon."

IV