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“We are the keepers of secrets, sighed to us out of the darkness;
Guardians of clandestine loves that will burn past all human remembrance,
Told by our tongues that rejoice in the undying ardor of telling.
Ancient conspiracy ran to our doors, we appointing the hour,
Passed through the arras and knelt for the gesture that spelt absolution,
Forgetting that we spied the drama to curse and proclaim at our pleasure.
We are the tyrants that reigned in the city of mantle and doublet
And hose; when the gem-crusted baldric that sheltered the dagger was slung
’Cross a heart that beat steadfast and calm with a faith most eternally constant.