And over the gulf of the thunder

A mountain of spray from the darkness

Rose and stood in the heavens, like a shrouded image of death.

She rushed like a star before them. The moon on her glorying shone.

Teach me, O my lover,—her cry flashed out and was gone.

42

42

A moment they battled behind her. They lashed with their paddles and lunged;

Then the Mohawks, turning their faces

Like a blood-stained cloud to the darkness,

Over the edge of Niagara swept together and plunged.

And the lights of a hundred cities are fed by the ancient power;

But a cry returns with the midnight; for they, too, have their hour.

Teach me, O my lover, as you taught me of love in a day,

—While the river of stars is rolling,

Rolling away to the darkness,—

Teach me of death, and for ever, and set my feet on the way!

43

43

A KNIGHT OF OLD JAPAN

 Prev. P 36/151 next