_O'er him, whom thou wouldst not forgive, Record what good He did on earth! and let him live Loved, understood! Be memory thine of all the worst He did thine own!_ There at the head of him I cursed I stood--a stone.
Last night I watched for Death-- So sick of life was I!-- When in the street beneath I heard his watchman cry The hour, while passing by.
I called. And in the night I heard him stop below, His owlish lanthorn's light Blurring the windy snow-- How long the time and slow!
I said, _Why dost thou cower There at my door and knock? Come in! It is the hour! Cease fumbling at the lock! Naught's well! 'Tis no o'clock!_
Black through the door with him Swept in the _Winter's_ breath; His cloak was great and grim-- But he, who smiled beneath, Had the face of Love not Death.
The wine-loud laughter of indulged Desire Upon his lips, and, in his eyes, the fire Of uncontrol, he takes in reckless hands,-- And interrupts with discords,--the sad lyre Of LOVE'S deep soul, and never understands.
When the wine-cup at the lip Slants its sparkling fire, O'er its level, while you sip, Have you marked the finger-tip Of the god DESIRE slip, Of the god DESIRE? Saying--_Lo, the hours run! Live your day before 't is done!_
When the empty goblet lies At the ended revel, In the glass, the wine-stain dyes, Have you marked the hollow eyes Of a mocking Devil rise, Of a mocking Devil? Saying--_Lo, the day is through! Look on joy it gave to you!_
I know not how I found you With your wild hair a-blow, Nor why the world around you Would never let me know: Perhaps 't was Heaven relented, Perhaps 't was Hell resented My dream, and grimly vented Its hate upon me so.
In Shadowland I met you Where all dim shadows meet; Within my heart I set you, A phantom bitter-sweet: No hope for me to win you, Though I with soul and sinew Strive on and on, when in you There is no heart or heat!
Yet ever, aye, and ever, Although I knew you lied, I followed on, but never Would your white form abide: With loving arms stretched meward, As Sirens beckon seaward To some fair vessel leeward, Before me you would glide.
But like an evil fairy, That mocks one with a light, Now near, you led your airy, Now far, your fitful flight: With red-gold tresses blowing, And eyes of sapphire glowing, With limbs like marble showing, You lured me through the night.