'The Incorruptible Rose,

'That drowsily drops faint leaves on him

'And the sweetness of desire,

'While time and the world are ebbing away

'In twilights of dew and of fire.'

[48]

[48]

THE SECRET ROSE

Far off, most secret, and inviolate Rose,

Enfold me in my hour of hours; where those

Who sought thee in the Holy Sepulchre,

Or in the wine vat, dwell beyond the stir

And tumult of defeated dreams; and deep

Among pale eyelids, heavy with the sleep

Men have named beauty. Thy great leaves enfold

The ancient beards, the helms of ruby and gold

Of the crowned Magi; and the king whose eyes

[49]

Saw the Pierced Hands and Rood of elder rise

In druid vapour and make the torches dim;

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