LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC, 109
PERCY.
Esmé, my Esmé. And we will write our poem now
together.
ESME,
I cannot write; we will live our poem now together.
PERCY.
Dear heart, dear heart! And she will give us light,
our dear moon out yonder, always a pure cold light:
and our life shall answer a purer, warmer flame. She
is like a maiden covered with lilies; your lilies have
kissed roses,
ESME.
And when the moon’s light fails, the light of your
song.
PERCY.
Let that light be drawn from Heaven too.
ESME.
Oh, Percy, I am so glad, so glad !
PERCY.
Esmé !
ESME.
When will you begin your great poem—now ?
PERCY [as 2f tn pain).
Ah! my poem. I am in despair! It is so great,