Some to the hunt would wend, with hound and horn,

And clash of silver, beauty, bravery, pride,

Heeding not one who on white horse upborne

With soundless hoofs did ride.

Dreamers there were who watched the hours away

Beside a fountain's foam. And in the sweet

Of phantom evening, 'neath the night-bird's lay,

Did loved with loved-one meet.

All, all were children, for, the long day done,

They barred the heavy door 'gainst lightfoot fear;

And few words spake though one known face was gone,

Yet still seemed hovering near.

[Pg 63]

They heaped the bright fire higher; poured dark wine;

And in long revelry dazed the questioning eye;

Curtained three-fold the heart-dismaying shine

Of midnight streaming by.

They shut the dark out from the painted wall,

With candles dared the shadow at the door,

Sang down the faint reiterated call

 Prev. P 50/72 next