The heir of Rookwood.
235
Constantly wandered. Nay, once fully roused
By the near sound of steps, I could have sworn
That where the winding stair abruptly turned
Close by my door, the hem of a white robe
Ruffled the darkness.
On my mother's lips
Lay the recording marble. I had set
Betwixt the world's reproach and Lilia's name
The bulwark of my love. Wooed ever yet
Lover so coldly? With my blighted manhood
I weighed her fairest youth, counted the years
Dividing us, and warned her if one thought
Recoiled from me 'twere wisdom to invoke
Death, sickness, beggary, torment in all shapes,
Rather than chain to her offended soul
The deep disgust of an unwelcome love.
Lilia, the child, shy pressing to my heart,
Lilia, the girl, just taught the trick of blushes,
Answered me without words.
And from that hour
Lilia was mine, however wooed or won;
My plighted wife, though Ernestine might wear
By the near sound of steps, I could have sworn
That where the winding stair abruptly turned
Close by my door, the hem of a white robe
Ruffled the darkness.
On my mother's lips
Lay the recording marble. I had set
Betwixt the world's reproach and Lilia's name
The bulwark of my love. Wooed ever yet
Lover so coldly? With my blighted manhood
I weighed her fairest youth, counted the years
Dividing us, and warned her if one thought
Recoiled from me 'twere wisdom to invoke
Death, sickness, beggary, torment in all shapes,
Rather than chain to her offended soul
The deep disgust of an unwelcome love.
Lilia, the child, shy pressing to my heart,
Lilia, the girl, just taught the trick of blushes,
Answered me without words.
And from that hour
Lilia was mine, however wooed or won;
My plighted wife, though Ernestine might wear
