Classic Poem

XXXVI.

With lulled and peaceful sense the youth
Upon the marble floor
Reclined his head, nor wist he how
His bosom's pangs were o'er.
Before the statue's graven base
He sank in happy rest,
But visions plain as noonday truth
Came swiftly o'er his breast.

XXXVII.

For in the unmoving body's trance,
When ear and eye are still,
The mind prophetic wakes and yearns,
And moulds the unconscious will;
The silent sleeper's heart is near
The steadfast heart of All,
And sights to outward view denied
Obey the spirit's call.

XXXVIII.

The radiant Goddess changed her look
Of clear and mild control,
A gloomy fury seemed she now,
A tyrant o'er the soul.
With furrowed face and deadly glance
Like storm she swept away,
And still the minstrel saw the fiend
Pursuing swift her prey.

XXXIX.

And now she reached the chamber fair,
The ancient home's recess,
Where wearied Myrto lay asleep
In dreamy restlessness.
The lover saw the grisly sprite
Beside her couch appear,
And but for power that held him fast
He would have shrieked in fear.

XL.

The thoughts within the virgin heart
Took shapes that he could spell,
Like pictures visible and clear,
The maiden's tale they tell;
And Doubt is there, and Pride, and Love
In fluctuating stir,
And many a memory of him,
And songs he framed for her.