DEDICATION. 
 
 
DIVINE PHILOSOPHER !  Dear Friend ! 
Lover and Lord ! accept the verse 
That marches like a sombre hearse, 
Bearing Truth’s coffin, to the end. 
 
Let man’s distorted worships blend 
In this, the worthier and the worse, 
And penetrate the primal curse. 
Alas !  They will not comprehend. 
 
Accept this gospel of disease 
In wanton words proclaimed, receive 
The blood-wrought chaplet that I weave. 
 
Take me, and with thine infamies 
Mingle my shame, and on my breast 
Let thy desire achieve the rest. 
 
 
Midnight, 1897—1898.