THE PRIEST SPEAKS. 
 
(Boccacio. Day IV. Tale VIII.) 
 
LAY them together for the sake of Love 
Within a little plot of piteous earth, 
When life’s last flower is faded in the sun. 
Lay them together in the tender ground 
That summer showers may shed a trembling tear. 
And summer breezes whisper melodies 
Of pity.  Lay them there, and when the sky 
Opens a lingering eyelash of deep cloud, 
And the sea sparkles out from under it 
To kiss the earth into awakening 
From the dream-slumbers that its fancies weave— 
Fancies of starlight on the lucent sea 
Gleaming from wide horizon to the feet 
Of Cynthia’s bow, all silver-shot with fire, 
That virgin flame that lingers evermore 
 
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