Collected Works (Vol. II)

UNDER THE PALMS 75 Hating the earth, the sea, the witchery Of all the universe : my breast I bared And cursed God, hoping lightning; and I dared Not ask my love ‘‘In very truth—you |" die !” I could not bear it longer; then she spake: ‘“‘T lied indeed, love, for mine honour’s sake,” And I reproached her for her love’s dis- | trust, - Saying ‘‘I would not so in any wise Have lowered love unto the level of lust But now—” I hid my thought in tears and sighs. THE TWENTY-FIFTH DAY. ‘‘T am in health, I breathe, and see thee ill.”’ Richard Il, ALIGE was desperately ill at morn. Hour by sweet hour I watched her sorrowing, While the strong fever fought uncon- quering With native coolness of her life, o’er- worm Or poisoned ; thus I fought the long forlorn Battle all day, until the evening Brought back sweet health on sleep and noiseless wing : Strong love of the long battle was re- born. The child slept elsewhere that she might sleep well. Therefore, not fearing anything, I came ; _ Lit my love’s candle at her body’s flame, And fought not with the fevers now that swell Our burning lips and bosoms, until shame Nearly surrendered the sweet citadel. THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY. ‘*T think the devil will not have me damned . . he would never else cross me thus.” Merry Wives of Windsor. Tus time she set her will against mywill ; Swore that she would not come: in my despair I half believed her an enchantress fair Cruel as hell and dowered with subtle skill To strain my life out with her love, and kill My soul with misery : suddenly a rare Swift smile set shimmering all the am- bient air, And then I knew she was my true love still. She would not come? Why, were Hell’s portals fast Shut, as to Orpheus on Eurydice, Their brass would break before love’s gold and steel, The sharpness inlaid with sweet tracery Of talismans of virtue: she is leal To come and live and be my love at last. UNDER THE PALMS. THE woodland hollows know us, enchanted, Likewise the spaces of the ghostly sea, The lake’s abundant lilies, the pale slanted Moonlight on flowers, the wind’s low minstrelsy; For all the tropic greenery is haunted By youandme........ bird- The tall palms bend and catch love’s tender ditty To learn a sweeter song to lure their mate. The soft wind sighs in amorous self-pity, Having no love wherein to laugh elate, And turns to the cold harbour and the city, Wailing its fate