Are images of that which, hour by hour,

Consumes my heart, the strife of Will and Power.

‘The Beauty of the past before my eyes

Stands ever in each fable-haunted place,

I know her form in every dark disguise,

But never look upon her open face;

O’er every limb a veil thick-folded lies,

Showing poor outline of a perfect grace,

Yet just enough to make the sickened mind

Grieve doubly for the treasures hid behind.