Classic Poem

IRENE.

Once again to the river, Paul,
To the river
Over again say it all, all
Again, that never —
Did you say never again, Paul,
We should clasp hands sitting close by the river
For ever? "

PAUL.

" In the warm shade, Irene, here,
Past the old tree
Ripples on the old ripple, dear,
On, just as we
Remember it many a year,
Sitting close, dear, where you'll sit without me,
Irene.

You'll forgive, Irene, friend-wife —
Nay, you'll approve
The pledge I have pledged in their strife,
Hatred and Love.
Is't most yours or mine, dear, my life?
Take it, tyrants, but no evil can move
From above

One supreme, the absolute right,
That we adore;
Oppression defy in that might,
Wage ceaseless war
Against wrong. Who falls in the fight,
Martyrs press over him, whilst they deplore,
Evermore.

You kiss me, my own; — can you share
All my blame, know
Me counted a criminal, dare
Seek me so low
As the prison-gate, darling, — bear
To look on my shame, Irene, and so
All hallow? "

" There, there, at your cell night and day. "
" But, Irene,
When they take me to death that way,
Dear? " " Then I'll be
By the scaffold, Paul. " " Will you stay
With rest in your eyes there? " " There, Paul, trust me. "
" Irene! "