242
The heir of Rookwood.
Vision extinguished vision, yet I knew—
Held by the light imperious touch of sleep—
I did but dream in the deep library chair.
Dreamed I that faltering step across the threshold?
The sob, the kiss quick dropped upon my hand?
I grappled with my sleep and flung it from me.
No one!—yet Arthur's spaniel, lying near,
Beat on the carpet with his feathery tail.
Held by the light imperious touch of sleep—
I did but dream in the deep library chair.
Dreamed I that faltering step across the threshold?
The sob, the kiss quick dropped upon my hand?
I grappled with my sleep and flung it from me.
No one!—yet Arthur's spaniel, lying near,
Beat on the carpet with his feathery tail.
I had been trained in sorrow's hardy school,
No raw recruit in suffering. Fate might pluck
At my life's core. I smiled as one who sees
War's mailed hand snatch off the silken favour
Bound to his helm, but has no mind for that
To drop his sword's point. While my bleeding heart
Craved leave to count its wounds, while every thought
Concealed a knife, while to all earth and heaven
Seemed half divulged the story of my grief,
So curiously did all things hint at it—
I walked beneath the vigilant eye of sorrow,
As walk her darlings. Not enough to hide
My hurt from prying looks—this pride will do,
No raw recruit in suffering. Fate might pluck
At my life's core. I smiled as one who sees
War's mailed hand snatch off the silken favour
Bound to his helm, but has no mind for that
To drop his sword's point. While my bleeding heart
Craved leave to count its wounds, while every thought
Concealed a knife, while to all earth and heaven
Seemed half divulged the story of my grief,
So curiously did all things hint at it—
I walked beneath the vigilant eye of sorrow,
As walk her darlings. Not enough to hide
My hurt from prying looks—this pride will do,
