THE MIRROR OF THOUGHT
When earnest-eyed we conversed through the
night,
Recalled past pleasure, followed up the hour
With plaintive music—sad memorial flower
Of melancholy and of old delight—
Rode bold as Taillefer with tossing brand
Across the hills of fancy, chanting strains
Of ancient chivalry, while loud refrains
Rumbled responsive through our faery band,
Then Courage kindled Courage, making gay
Carnage and conflict, poverty and fear;
The path to glory golden did appear,
And I was brave to wend it any day.
A far-blown cry of love and minstrelsy,
Revealed to me myself as I would be.