Orpheus

Remembrance of some immortality Affirmed if not believed: alas for me That might not interchange the last sad vows, Nor close the blue eyes clearer than the sea Before they darkened, and the veil of death Shrouded their splendour: still there lingereth Some sad white lustre on the icy brows, Some breast-curve surely indicating breath, Some misty glamour of deep love within The eye’s cold gleam! some dimple on the chin Hinting of laughter: even now she seems A folded rosebud, where the ivory skin Closes the ripe warm centre flower, the mind, The spirit that was beautifully kind, The sense of beauty shadowed in deep dreams, Sent through the horn gates by some sleepy wind. All lingers: all is gone: a little while, And all the live sweet rapture of the smile Of her whole being is discomfited, The body broken, desolated, vile, Til nought remains but the memorial urn Of deep red gold, less golden than did burn Once the strong breast: the ash within is shed, Dust given for flowers : what memory shall turn i 129