Page:Collected poems Robinson, Edwin Arlington.djvu/329

 And that was as it was; for much is lost Between Broceliande and Camelot.' " He stared away into the west again, Where now no crimson cloud or phantom town Deceived his eyes. Above a living town There were gray clouds and ultimate suspense, And a cold wind was coming. Dagonet, Kow crouched at Merlin's feet in his, dejection, Saw multiplying lights far down below, Where lay the fevered streets. At length he felt On his lean shoulder Merlin's tragic hand And trembled, knowing that a few more days Would see the last of Arthur and the first Of Modred, whose dark patience had attained To one precarious half of what he sought: "And even the Queen herself may fall to him," Dagonet murmured. "The Queen fall to Modred? Is that your only fear tonight?" said Merlin; "She may, but not for long." "No, not my fear; For I fear nothing. But I wish no fate Like that for any woman the King loves, Although she be the scourge and the end of him That you saw coming, as I see it now." Dagonet shook, but he would have no tears, He swore, for any king, queen, knave, or wizard Albeit he was a stranger among those Who laughed at him because he was a fool. "You said the truth, I cannot leave you now," He stammered, and was angry for the tears That mocked his will and choked him. Merlin smiled, Faintly, and for the moment: "Dagonet, I need your word as one of Arthur's knights