Lazuli and hyacinth and powerful gems
Undreamt of even in Babylon of old
May for a price be given, bought and sold,
Bartered for silver as was Bethlehem’s—
And yet a Splendour lives that price contemns
Since Five loud Tongues a deeper worth have told.
Braver is she than ruby, far more wise
Even than burning sapphire, than emerald
Anchored more strongly to impalpable skies—
Upon a diamond pinnacle enwalled
The banners blaze, and “Victor” she is called,
Youthful, with laughter in her twilit eyes.
No girl’s, but girl essential is your beingCould we but see beyond our mortal seeing,Could we but hear beyond our mortal songThe song immortal of seraphic throng,Could we but know upon each mortal signThe seal of immortality divine.‘Tis no virtue that you areVirtuous—nor for the starTo shine, nor flowers to arrayThemselves in glory from the…
A feather from the wings of Fear—Your innocence has stabbed my heart.I took your terrible trust to keep,Deep in my heart it flames and sears,And what I’ve sown I dare not reapFor bitterness of blinding tears.I have not scattered starry seedOn windy ridges of the skies,But I have ploughed my heart indeedAnd sown the secrets…
Truth’s naked beauty is her panoply,Their eyes are blinded with its splendid spears.With shadowy symbols fitted to their fearsNow will I clothe a visible mystery,Yet none shall understand the prophecySave you, nor pay the tribute of their tears.But you will understand me, for I speakFirst to your heart, then to your soul in songSpreading its…
You never pass the portals old,That gate of gold like gleaming glass.Yet you have often wandered by,I’ve heard you sigh, I’ve seen you smile,You never smile now as you stray—You can but stay a little while.And now you know your task is hard,You must discard your jewelled gear,You must not fear to crave a doleFrom…
Lest your grey head grow greyer for my doomAnd fill its echoing corridors with fears:Your heart that my stone monument appearsWhile yet I live—O give it not to gloomWhen I am dead, but let some joy illumeThe ultimate Victory that stings and sears.Already I can hear the stealthy treadOf sorrow breaking through the hush of…
Nor all compounded, and within the wallBeneath the tower I wait to hear you sing:Love breathing low above the breast of Spring,Pressing her heart with baby heart and smallFrom baby lips love-syllables lets fallAnd strokes with gentle hand her quivering wing.You come rejoicing all the wilderness,Filling with praise the land to joy unknown,Fresh from that…
