The gaslight in it shone like poisonous green.

And now she rose. He had not touched his glass;

A great coin lit the table. She went out;

He automatically followed her.

The crimson curtain round the door fell to,

Once more the cold draught shivered through the heat,

But no one cursed. Through me a shiver ran.

I did not choose a partner—suddenly

I knew them: it was Syphilis and Death.