p. 106Since I have known above my forehead glance and gleam, A ray, a single ray of your star veiled always, Since I have felt the fall upon my lifetime’s stream Of one rose-petal plucked from the roses of your days;

p. 106

I now am bold to say to the swift-changing hours, Pass, pass upon your way, for I grow never old. Fleet to the dark abyss with all your fading flowers, One rose that none may pluck within my heart I hold.

Your flying wings may smite, but they can never spill The cup fulfilled of love from which my lips are wet, My heart has far more fire than you have frost to chill. My soul more love than you can make my soul forget.

p. 107SILENTIA LUNAE

p. 107

FROM RONSARD

FROM RONSARD

Hide this one night thy crescent, kindly Moon, So shall Endymion faithful prove, and rest Loving and unawakened on thy breast; So shall no foul enchanter importune Thy quiet course, for now the night is boon, And through the friendly night unseen I fare Who dread the face of foemen unaware, And watch of hostile spies in the bright noon.

Hide

Thou know’st, O Moon, the bitter power of Love. ’Tis told how shepherd Pan found ways to move With a small gift thy heart; and of your grace, Sweet stars, be kind to this not alien fire, Because on earth ye did not scorn desire, Bethink ye, now ye hold your heavenly place.

p. 108HIS LADY’S TOMB

p. 108

FROM RONSARD

FROM RONSARD

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