And then she whispered in such trembling From Pyrrha's pebbles or old Adam's

Than throbbing blood, and that the self- That, while it smote, still guaranteed to

Where 'gainst a column he leant thought- By blinded Lycius, so in her comprised. fully They passed the city gates, he knew not

Of some arched temple door, or dusky And a few Persian mutes, who that same colonnade.

Yourself from his quick eyes?" Lycius That is a doubtful tale from faery land, 5

Betwixt two marble shafts; there they Ay, a sweet kiss you see your mighty reposed,

woes.

55

Where use had made it sweet, with eyelids My thoughts! shall I unveil them? Listen closed,

then!

Wheels round its dazzling spokes." — The lady's cheek

Trembled; she nothing said, but, pale and

meek,

Arose and knelt before him, wept a rain

65

That purple-linèd palace of sweet sin,
His spirit passed beyond its golden bourn
Into the noisy world almost forsworn.
The lady, ever watchful, penetrant,
Saw this with pain, so arguing a want
Of something more, more than her empery
Of joys; and she began to moan and sigh
Because he mused beyond her, knowing To change his purpose. He thereat was

35

"Why do you sigh, fair creature?" whis

Of sorrows at his words; at last with pain
Beseeching him, the while his hand she

wrung,

stung,

well That but a moment's thought is passion's Perverse, with stronger fancy to reclaim 70 passing-bell. Her wild and timid nature to his aim; Besides, for all his love, in self despite, Against his better self, he took delight Luxurious in her sorrows, soft and new. His passion, cruel grown, took on a hue 75 Fierce and sanguineous as 'twas possible In one whose brow had no dark veins to swell.

pered he.

40

"Why do you think?" returned she tenderly;

"You have deserted me: where am I now? Not in your heart while care weighs on your brow:

No, no, you have dismissed me; and I go

Fine was the mitigated fury, like
Apollo's presence when in act to strike

"Sure some sweet name thou hast, though, Came, and who were, her subtle servitors. by my truth,