Classic Poem

ONE APART

Let them devour and be devour'd!
so spake my anger yesternight
and watch'd where the loud city tower'd,
black, reddening all the western night,

because their men of war had done
some little deed of blood and fame;
my anger watch'd till night was run
and lit a sombre answering flame.

For I was fall'n into their mood
and slew my peace with wrathful lips:
Ah, when the East shall come in blood,
I triumph'd, and the howling ships!

I spoke, who knew that every morn
against our sunken sloth arrays
a radiant and maiden scorn
and the heroic love that slays,

straightway, with stainless eyes that pierce
the heart of hate that lurks and dies:
whose wrath forgot that mine own fierce
torn heart should pray, Let no sun rise!

For this was heralded in gold
and orient pearl: Eden increas'd:
I crept to slumber, sick and cold:
there was no red in all that East.