182
THE EQUINOX
XIX
THE BLACK EGG
TuE splendid summer splashes on the city
In little leaping lights, the flames of spring;
And the waters of the world and the Underworld
Are stirred by the quickening breath of the unknown
god.
Life, a strong pulse within the heart of Day,
Glows in the western skies; the morning pales
Before the influx of this newer dawn.—
This for the argent dream that stands apart,
The image of Activity unveiled,
The violation of Life by the thorn of Time.
Ah! fever of a strong distempered god,
Stirred into life by the mystery of birth :
Sure and secure is set the secret Way
Through all this endless maze of whirling things.
Ah! let me pierce to the heart, to the heart of the Rose.
I am pale as the Rose: last night came Love to me,
And brushed me with his wing; and I arose,
And stared out from my window into the dark.
There was rain and wind, and the unforgotten cry
Of her who hath striven for ever, and failed at last
For that Life had conquered her. But she came to me,
Crying, “ Wilt thou not lend me of thy strength,
And yield thy love to me?” How should I tell
Of this silent thing, this wise debauch of a goddess,
Who hath no way but this to know she lives ?