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448 Scarce draw my breath; while there her wavy bosom So like a woman's heaved, that wonder whisper'd me, "Oh! have not spirits hearts like women's too?" And long, and eagerly, and fierily I gazed, and love grew in me; while that fear Which ices boldest hearts in fleshless presences Could not allay this feverish frenzy, which Is thus part of me ever. Long, oh! long I fed on that sweet vision; soon—too soon It rose,—but still her open eye was settled, And still her step was silky silent, and Her mouth still deadly mute; and through the door Past she. The supernatural strength, which braced me Through that strange interview, was loosen'd. Dim Wax'd my weak, reeling, and o'erstrained eyes; I shiver'd, and I sicken'd, and I sank Swooning upon the floor;—and when I rose, The dappled east was ripening with red morn.— Hast thou not heard enough? is not my tale Long enough—horrible enough to thee, my brother? Who seest Reginald de Reine a slave To this most hopeless, awful, unearthly passion, Which beats within my bosom—feel how strongly, Which burns beneath my temples—feel how fiercely, Till at the last, nor is that last long hence, It must wear out and eat away the clay Which cases soul and intellect. Then I Shall become like to thee, sweet—sweet—sweet spirit, And like as poor polluted man can be; And find thee out, and be with thee, and lie In the Eden of thy love. Why—why not now?— Oh, did I call thee fiend? or think thee aught Save angel? I am mad, and thou'lt forgive me. When, when shall I come to join thee?
 * Rob.Brother, brother,

This is some dream. Ye slept; ye dreamt ye woke; But woke not truly till ye dreamt ye swoon'd. What further?
 * Reg.Further, Robert? why this further.

Wake from that dream I never shall. Whosoe'er And whencesoe'er that spirit that enthrals me— My being is bound to hers eternally— The living to the dead it may be, but Bound notwithstanding; bound—till both be dead, Or rather living both. Oh! for that death, When I shall be re-born! When will it come?
 * Rob. Brother, go watch again another night.

Wake in right earnest; sleep through all to-day; Take opium that ye may so, if 'tis needful; But, watch and wake to-night; and pray to Christ To ward both waking fallacies and wild dreams. Then if this spirit show herself again— On the third night together we will watch; And—if to my yet unwon sight it come— We will address it, Reginald, and learn The purpose of its walking.
 * Reg.Robert, Robert,

Thou balmest my sore soul. Then I shall see her— See her again. To-morrow may take thought For what concerneth it; but this—this night Is at the worst mine own.
 * Rob.Stay, Reginald!