CRASSUS. Why are these shadows thrown across the lawn From the elms and yews? They were not wont to reach Beyond the branches of that copper-beech.
ALICIA. Attend the dawn Of an unknown comet, that shall come From the unfathomable wells of space Into its halidom.
CRASSUS. I know it not. Last night I walked alone Here, and saw nothing.
ALICIA. I was not with you! There is no God upon the eternal throne Of stars begemming the bewildering blue Unless one has the eyes to see him. Think How we two stand upon the brink Of nothing! Here's a globe, whereto we trust, No larger than the smallest speck of dust Or mote in the sunbeam is to that sun's self, And we are like dead leaves in autumn's whil Of wind upon it.
CRASSUS. Mystify me, girl! It is the right of an elf. Surely your flickering fire Will draw me to some mire!
ALICIA. Here the stream dips its mouth into the wood. So does youth's calm and chaste beatitude Touch the black mouth of Love, the ancient whore.
CRASSUS. Girl! what a scorpion leaping from your lips!
ALICIA. My mouth stings as no scorpion ever stang. in this round impudent smiling face of mine There is a poison fiercer than all wine; And from these eyes more subtle sorrows pour Than you can dream. These teeth have been at grips With gods; I have sung what no girl ever sang. These ears have heard An insufferable word!
CRASSUS. What do you mean?
ALICIA. The secret's in a kiss. Here are no kisses. Here great Artemis Rules; only in the woodland may a man Hide his eyes from her, pledge himself to Pan. Come! through the tangled arches Of cypresses and larches, Stoop; under Artemis we walked upright; But this is Pan's home, and the House of Night.[They enter the wood.]