She trailed, palm out, for sign to who below

Rent at himself, nor had the wit to know

In that dumb signal eloquence, and hope

Therein beyond his sick heart's utmost scope.

Throbbing he stood as when a quick-blown peat,

Now white, now red, burns inly—O wild heat,

O ravenous race of men, who'd barter Space

And Time for one short snatch of instant grace!

Withal, next day, drawn by his dear desire,

When as the young green burned like emerald fire

[28]

In the cold light, back to the tryst he came;

But she was sooner there, and called his name

Softly as cooing dove her bosom's mate;

And showed her eyes to him, which half sedate

To be so sought revealed her, half in doubt

Lest he should deem her bold to meet the bout

With too much readiness. But high he flaunted

Her name towards the sky. "Thou God-enchanted,

Thou miracle of dawn, thou Heart of the Rose,

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