As the swinging cressets flare,

And the small swart crickets harp and harp

On the tune remembered, torturing-sharp,

And the sobbing owlets wake,—

The diamond in the dark

Draws, draws her, like the spark

In the head of a deadly snake.

Then will she sit, and dully stare

On the cold diamond’s serpent-glare;

Her lip is fallen, she does not stir,