Classic Poem

Part III.

1

I waken'd in the twilight with
A fever at my brain;
All my veins were running fire
With blind desire and pain
Of something that three seasons long
Within my heart had lain.

2

So cruel that first I heeded not
A faint, alluring tune,
Trilling round me everywhere
In the jewell'd air of June,
As far and wide o'er the darkling sky
The crystal stars were strewn.

3

Till over the rim of the World uprose
The slow, round Moon,
And a voice from the inner garden came
That breath'd my name, and soon
Floated full out on the waving air
Trolling a golden croon:

4

" Low — low!
The Moon lies low!
O Love! my Love — come love me
While the Moon lies low! "

5

To the inner garden fast I sped
Till I came to the inmost tree;
O the peace of a thousand years I'd give,
Again to live and see
The pallid maid of the white, white arms
Who there awaited me!

6

But I have not the words to tell
The marvel of that tryst;
Yet 'twas no phantom I did woo —
A virgin true I kiss'd,
With lips full red, and eyes agloom
With peerless amethyst,

7

And body lined and shapen to
The last of love's delight;
I heard her whisper: " I am thine,
And thou art mine, to-night! "
And she loos'd the silver zone that bound
Her garments blue and white.

8

" Low — low!
The Moon lies low!
And my love is mine to love me
While the Moon lies low! "