But when he scarce had left the Tower
He paused, and felt his anger cease,
Such was the magic of the hour
Its lovely mystery and peace.
•••
Two eyes among the thickets glow;
A stealthy rustle stirs the air;
The Tigress springs, and lays him low,
Then bears him, senseless, to her lair.
There was no sound; he gave no cry;
The careless stars looked on serene.
The Jungle's sudden tragedy
Remained unheard, unknown, unseen.
While on the Tower, she cried in tears,
"Return to me, Beloved of mine,
Forgive me for my foolish fears
Within those tender arms of thine.
"Oh, Brightest Star of all the night
Come back, and shed thy light on me,
And thou shalt learn, to thy delight,
How more than kind I am to thee!"
In vain she cried, in vain she wept,
At times in solitary woe,
Towards the inner edge she crept
And looked, but dared not leap, below.
Page:Stars of the Desert.djvu/163
151
