Part 170

Ye mourners, weave for the sleeping hair Of only two your ivy vine. For one was wise and one was fair, But one was mine.

Arthur Davison Ficke [1883-

BALLAD

He said: "The shadows darken down, The night is near at hand. Now who's the friend will follow me Into the sunless land?

"For I have vassals leal and true, And I have comrades kind, And wheresoe'er my soul shall speed, They will not stay behind."

He sought the brother young and blithe Who bore his spear and shield: "In the long chase you've followed me, And in the battle-field.

"Few vows you make; but true's your heart, And you with me will win." He said: "God speed you, brother mine, But I am next of kin."

He sought the friar, the gray old priest Who loved his father's board. The friar he turned him to the east And reverently adored.

He said: "A godless name you bear, A godless life you've led, And whoso wins along with you, His spirit shall have dread.

"Oh, hasten, get your guilty soul From every burden shriven; Yet you are bound for flame and dole, But I am bound for heaven."

He sought the lady bright and proud, Who sate at his right hand: "Make haste, O Love, to follow me Into the sunless land."

She said: "And pass you in your prime? Heaven give me days of cheer! And keep me from the sunless clime Many and many a year."

All heavily the sun sank down Among black clouds of fate. There came a woman fair and wan Unto the castle gate.

Through gazing vassals, idle serfs, So silently she sped! The winding staircase echoed not Unto her light, light tread.

His lady eyed her scornfully. She stood at his right hand; She said: "And I will follow you Into the sunless land.

"There is no expiation, none. A bitter load I bore: Now I shall love you nevermore, Never and nevermore.

"There is no touch or tone of yours Can make the old love wake." She said: "But I will follow you, Even for the old love's sake."

Oh, he has kissed her on the brow, He took her by the hand: Into the sunless land they went, Into the starless land.

May Kendall [1861-

"O THAT 'TWERE POSSIBLE" From "Maud"

O that 'twere possible After long grief and pain To find the arms of my true love Round me once again!

When I was wont to meet her In the silent moody places Of the land that gave me birth, We stood tranced in long embraces Mixed with kisses sweeter, sweeter Than anything on earth.

A shadow flits before me, Not thou, but like to thee. Ah, Christ, that it were possible For one short hour to see The souls we loved, that they might tell us What and where they be!

Alfred Tennyson [1809-1892]

"HOME THEY BROUGHT HER WARRIOR DEAD" From "The Princess"

Home they brought her warrior dead; She nor swooned, nor uttered cry. All her maidens, watching, said, "She must weep or she will die."

Then they praised him, soft and low, Called him worthy to be loved, Truest friend and noblest foe; Yet she neither spoke nor moved.

Stole a maiden from her place, Lightly to the warrior stepped, Took the face-cloth from the face; Yet she neither moved nor wept.