Jephthah and Other Mysteries

76 MYSTERIES: Listen, oh, listen! the nightingale near us swoons a farewell to the blossoming brake. Listen, the thrush in the meadow is singing notes that — move sinuous, lithe as a snake ; The cushats are cooing, the world is awake. Only one hour since you whispered the story out of your heart to my tremulous ear; Only one hour since the light of your eyes was the victor of violent sorrow and fear; Your lips were so set to the lips of me here. Surely the victory ripens to perfect conquest of every- thing set in our way. We must be free as our hearts are, and gather strength for our limbs for the heat of the fray: The battle is ours if you say me not nay. Fly with me far, where the ocean is bounded white by the walls of the northernmost shore, | Where on a lone rocky island a castle laughs in its pride at the billows that roar, My home where our love may have peace ever- more. Yes, on one whisper the other is waiting patient to catch the low tone of delight. Kiss me again for the amorous answer, close your dear eyelids and think it is night, The hour of the even we fix for the flight.