Classic Poem

I

Last dusk, when down my purpled paths
The light had flown,
I stole into the cypress grove
Alone

II

And sought mid pacings up and down
Beneath its gloom
To crush the pain that stifled in
The room.

III

And there sat one whom I ne'er knew
Nor saw before,
Who moaned, and beat her breast, and wept
Full sore.

IV

" Woman, " I said, " why do you weep? "
She raised her head.
" I weep because the one I love
is dead. "

V

And swift I dropped unto my knees
In sudden woe,
And kissed her lips. " I know, " I said,
" I know. "

VI

We clung in silence each to each,
A little space
Then soft she breathed, " To-day they hid
His face. "

VII

And great tears fell upon my brow
And cheeks, and crept
Into my hands, until I thought
I wept.

VIII

" Woman, " I said, " you do not know, —
But you are blest;
If I might weep as you, " I should
Find rest.

IX

" The one I love has ceased to be
These many years;
Yet to this time my eyes have known
No tears. "

X

I saw within her eyes, she could
Not understand;
And so I kissed her brow; and pressed Her hand;

XI

And went away into the house,
Where lights ne'er shone,
Dry-eyed, and drear, and oh! so much Alone.