Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/1095

 MAY PROBYN

When the sun shall set on all our pleasure We will mourn him What, so you decree

We are heartless^ Nay, but in what measure Do you more than we?

SIR GILBERT PARKER

888 Reunited

WHEN you and I have play'd the little hour, Have seen the tall subaltern Life to Death Yield up his sword; and, smiling, draw the breath, The first long breath of freedom, when the flower Of Recompense hath flutter'd to our feet, As to an actor's, and, the curtain down, We turn to face each other all alone Alone, we two, who never yet did meet, Alone, and absolute, and free O then,

O then, most dear, how shall be told the tale^ Clasp'd hands, pressed lips, and so clasp'd hands again; No words. But as the proud wind fills the sail, My love to yours shall reach, then one deep moan Of joy, and then our infinite Alone.

HENRY CUST

889 Non Nobis

NOT unto us, O Lord, Not unto us the rapture of the day, The peace of night, or love's divine surprise, High heart, high speech, high deeds 'mid honouring eyes; For at Thy word All these are taken away.

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