AT EDEN GATES

TO Eden Garden—so the sign-post said; I could not see the road; But, where the Sussex clover blossomed red Its runaway blisses flowed. I traced them back for many a night and day, —The way she, too, had gone!— Till lo, the terrible Angel in the way Inexorably shone. Up to the Gates, a fearless fool I came; Between the lily and rose Fluttering these evil rags of sordid shame, A thing to scare the crows. “And hath the Master given thee, then, no word?” The scornful Angel smiled: Only two souls may pass my Flaming Sword,— The Lover and the Child. I raised my head,—“Now let all hell make mirth, Where Love went, I go, too!” His eyes met mine. The sword sank to the earth, And let her lover through.