The Draught of Life.
143
And from his lofty seat the Arbiter
Though seasoned to the sight of human woe,
Drew close the bandage o'er his eyes and held
His bated breath to keep from shuddering.
Though seasoned to the sight of human woe,
Drew close the bandage o'er his eyes and held
His bated breath to keep from shuddering.
A Confession.
You did not know, how could you, dear,
How much you stood for? Life in you
Retained its touch of Eden dew,
And ever, through the droughtiest year,
My soul could bring her flagon here
And fill it to the brim with clear
Deep draughts of purity.
And time could never quench the flame
Of youth, that lit me through your eyes,
And cozened winter from my skies
Through all the years that went and came.
You did not know I used your name
To conjure by, and still the same
I found its potency.
How much you stood for? Life in you
Retained its touch of Eden dew,
And ever, through the droughtiest year,
My soul could bring her flagon here
And fill it to the brim with clear
Deep draughts of purity.
And time could never quench the flame
Of youth, that lit me through your eyes,
And cozened winter from my skies
Through all the years that went and came.
You did not know I used your name
To conjure by, and still the same
I found its potency.
