Volume Ii Part 141 (2/2)

The friar he turned him to the east And reverently adored.

He said: ”A G.o.dless name you bear, A G.o.dless life you've led, And whoso wins along with you, His spirit shall have dread.

”Oh, hasten, get your guilty soul From every burden shriven; Yet you are bound for flame and dole, But I am bound for heaven.”

He sought the lady bright and proud, Who sate at his right hand: ”Make haste, O Love, to follow me Into the sunless land.”

She said: ”And pa.s.s you in your prime?

Heaven give me days of cheer!

And keep me from the sunless clime Many and many a year.”

All heavily the sun sank down Among black clouds of fate.

There came a woman fair and wan Unto the castle gate.

Through gazing va.s.sals, idle serfs, So silently she sped!

The winding staircase echoed not Unto her light, light tread.

His lady eyed her scornfully.

She stood at his right hand; She said: ”And I will follow you Into the sunless land.

”There is no expiation, none.

A bitter load I bore: Now I shall love you nevermore, Never and nevermore.

”There is no touch or tone of yours Can make the old love wake.”

She said: ”But I will follow you, Even for the old love's sake.”

Oh, he has kissed her on the brow, He took her by the hand: Into the sunless land they went, Into the starless land.

May Kendall [1861-

”O THAT 'TWERE POSSIBLE”

From ”Maud”

O that 'twere possible After long grief and pain To find the arms of my true love Round me once again!

When I was wont to meet her In the silent moody places Of the land that gave me birth, We stood tranced in long embraces Mixed with kisses sweeter, sweeter Than anything on earth.

A shadow flits before me, Not thou, but like to thee.

Ah, Christ, that it were possible For one short hour to see The souls we loved, that they might tell us What and where they be!

Alfred Tennyson [1809-1892]

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