Page:Stars of the Desert.djvu/134

 For twenty years hope lingered, unabated, Though beauty lost its bloom and youth its fire, Never there came the step for which she waited, Never the lover of her heart's desire.

Yet who shall weigh what subtle consolation Solaced the Rani in her lonely sleep; When her locked arms in love's divine elation Held him whom, waking, she had failed to keep.

Thus I, who watch the alien planets gleaming Over the waters of this restless sea, Drift back to sleep, and ever in my dreaming Lay your soft hair between the deck and me. 122