THE GATE OF THE SANCTUARY. 
65 
Yet the thought chilled me as I touched the reins. 
Ah !  the poor horse, he will not.  So remains, 
Divided in his love.  With mastered tears 
I stride toward the parapet.  My ears 
Catch his low call ;  and now a song complains. 
The bridge is bleeding and the river hears. 
 
Ah !  God !  I cannot live for pity deep 
Of that heart-quelling chant—I could not sleep 
Ever again to think of it.  I close 
My hearing with my fingers.  Gently goes 
A quivering foot above them as they weep— 
I weep, I also, as the river flows. 
 
Slowly the bridge subsides, and I am flung 
Deep in the tears and terrors never sung. 
I swim with sorrow bursting at my breast. 
Yet I am cleansed, and find some little rest. 
Still from my agonised unspeaking tongue 
Breaks :  I must go, go onward to the quest. 
 
Again the cursed cry :  “ What quest is this ? 
Is it worth heaven in thy lover’s kiss ? 
A queen, a queen, to kiss and never tire ! 
Thy queen, quick-breathing for your twin desire ! ” 
I shudder, for the mystery of bliss ; 
I go, heart crying and a soul on fire ! 
 
“ Resolve all question by a moonward tread. 
Follow the moon ! ”  Even so the king had said.