Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/94



sleep. The sultriness pervades the air

And binds the brain—a dense oppression, such

As tawny tigers feel in matted shades,

Vexing their blood and making apt for ravage.

Beneath the stars the roofy desert spreads

Vacant as Libya. All is hushed near by.

Yet fitfully from far breaks a mixed surf

Of muffled sound, the Atheist roar of riot.

Yonder, where parching Sirius set in drought,

Balefully glares red Arson—there-and there.

The Town is taken by its rats—ship-rats.

And rats of the wharves. All civil charms

And priestly spells which late held hearts in awe—

Fear-bound, subjected to a better sway

Than sway of self; these like a dream dissolve,

And man rebounds whole æons back in nature.