TO AN UNKNOWN LADY
You that were once so sweet, are sweeter now
That an even leaden greyness clouds my days;
A pain it is to think on your sweet ways,
Your careless-tender speaking, tender and low.
When the hills enclosed us, hid in happy valleys,
Greeting a thousand times the things most dear,
We wasted thoughts of love in laughter clear,
And told our passion out in mirthful sallies.
But in me now a burning impulse rages
To praise our love in words like flaming gold,
Molten and live for ever; not fit for cold
And coward like-to-passions Time assuages.
Nor do I fear you are lovely only in dreams,
Being as the sky reflected in clear streams.
SONG AND PAIN
Out of my sorrow have I made these songs,
Out of my sorrow;
Though somewhat of the making’s eager pain
From Joy did borrow.
Some day, I trust, God’s purpose of Pain for me
Shall be complete,
And then—to enter in the House of Joy....
Prepare, my feet.
PURPLE AND BLACK
The death of princes is
Honoured most greatly,
Proud kings put purple on
In manner stately.
Though they have lived such life
As God offends,
Gone fearful down to death,
Sick, without friends.
And in the temple dim,
Trumpets of gold
Proclaim their glory; so
Their story is told.
In sentimental hymns
Weeping her dolour,
The mother of heroes wears
Vile black—Death’s colour,