Tale of Archais

THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 63 The flash of her desire within his brain Came as a meteor through the wildered train Of solemn spheres of night’s majestic court. He kissed the extended hand, and lastly sought A blessing from the kindly Queen of Love. Then, smiling, she was bountiful thereof, And bade him haste away, when at the gate— Twin witch-oaks that presided o’er the state Of that detested realm—he felt a change, Half pleasant, only beyond wonder strange, A change as from a joy to a delight, As from broad sunshine to the fall of night, As from strong action to endurance strong, As from desire to the power to long, From man to woman with a strange swift motion, Like tide and ebb upon a summer ocean. Thus he went forth a girl ; his steps he presses Through sickly wastes and burning wildernesses To the lascivious shade of Ida’s deep recesses