Seemed hollow and unearthly, breathless pause

On a great brink. They reached the pool, and Taka

Gathered her senses till her eyes were clear

As shining wells of truth. She leaned no more

56

Helpless upon Malua, tho' his arm

Circled her still. Before them on the path,

Noble and dead, with mute hands pleading, eyes

Subtle with secrets of eternity,

Waited Uhila.

In a moment's space

Malua knew the utter pangs of death

Strong as his soul. And Taka must be free,

Free to decide between the mighty dead

And him, the weakest of all living men.

He spoke no word, the blood of youth once more

Fought with the skill, the power, the eloquence

Of great familiar age. If Taka drew

From out his arms and love a heart-beat's time,

She had decided, and Uhila won.

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