Death's flame had touched the golden rose of love.

If it be dross or gold, the test should tell.

The black gulf night that lies 'twixt dawn and dawn,

Deepened by darker sin,—could frail love, tired

With passion, hope to bridge the perilous way?

His brain cried, "No," his heart, "Ah, Gods, but yes

Or I shall die."

He laid a tender arm

55

About the shrinking child and drew her forth

Along the forest path. She did not hear

The morning birds who blithely welcomed day,

She did not see the dew upon the leaves,

Glamour of dawn, but dazed with love and pain,

Yielding to that she knew not, kept the way

Towards the forest pool.

It seemed to them,

Waiting the unutterable moment of their loss

Or utmost gain, as tho' the swinging earth

Was emptied of all life, the very air

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