Jephthah and Other Mysteries

LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC. 93 To freshen us with dewdrops at the dawn, Or let the summer shower sing through to us, And welcome kisses of the silver rain That raps and rustles in the solitude. But in the night there came to us a cry: “The mountains are your portion, and the hills Your temple, and you are chosen.” Then I woke Pondering, and my lover woke and said : “TI heard a voice of one majestical With waving beard, most ancient, beautiful, Concealed and not concealed; and I awoke, Feeling a strong compulsion on my soul To go some whither.” And the dreams were one (We somehow knew), and, looking such a kiss As lovers’ eyes can interchange, our lips Met in the mute agreement to obey. So, girding on our raiment, as to pass Some whither of long doubtful journeying, We went forth blindly to the horrible Damp darkness of the pines above. And there Strange beasts crossed path of ours, such beasts as earth Bears not, distorted, tortured, loathable, Mouthing with hateful lips some recent blood, Or snarling at our feet. But these attacked No courage of our hearts, we faltered not, And they fell back, snake’s mouth and leopard’s throat, ) Afraid. But others fawning came behind With clumsy leapings as in friendliness,