The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

IN THE TEMPLE Tue subtle-souled dim radiant queen Burns like a bale-fire through the mist; The slender earth is bright and green, Emerald, gray and amethyst; The wavering breeze has slowly kissed The way between Her zone and wrist. Pale guardian of the altar-flame, Syren of old, perfidious song, A murmuring runnel lately came In streaming hate of mortal wrong. Wait, for, my goddess, not for long The snake is tame. . . . See! He is strong! The wide-set temple-pillars gleam, As marble white, and tall as pines; The doorway to immortal dream Lies through the temple’s purple shrines. Behold, pure queen, the magic signs. Let words out-stream As mingled wines! . . . Victor B. NEUBURG. 352