Page:One of Cleopatra's nights, and Other Fantastic Romances.djvu/403

Rh Now I bethink me of a sweet weird story,
 * That in the dark

Our dead loves thus with seal of chilly kisses
 * Our bodies mark.

Gliding beneath the coverings of our couches
 * They share our rest,

And with their dead lips sign their loving visit
 * On arm and breast.

Darksome and cold the bed where now she slumbers,
 * I loved in vain,

With sweet soft eyelids closed, to be reopened
 * Never again.

Dead sweetheart, can it be that thou hast lifted
 * With thy frail hand

Thy coffin-Hd, to come to me again
 * From Shadowland?

Thou who, one joyous night, didst, pale and speechless,
 * Pass from us all.

Dropping thy silken mask and gift of flowers
 * Amidst the ball?

Oh, fondest of my loves, from that far heaven
 * Where thou must be.

Hast thou returned to pay the debt of kisses
 * Thou owest me?

Gautier doubtless obtained inspiration for this exquisite romance from an old Greek ghost story,