Page:Stars of the Desert.djvu/162

 At last, they reached the highest stage, Windswept and open to the stars. The battlements were worn with age But waving grasses hid the scars.

The lonely Jungle lay serene, Beneath the star-bejewelled skies, They turned them from the silver scene To seek once more each other's eyes.

But when he caught her to his breast She shrank in delicate dismay; So, chilled, he left her uncaressed And drew his eager arms away.

Her eyes beneath their lashes hid The tender tears that left them dim, As down the ladder-rungs he slid And drew it swiftly after him.

"It must," he cried, "be naught or all; And I shall come no more to thee Till from the Tower I hear thee call To say thou wilt be kind to me!"

"Stay now" she begged. He would not heed, But down the ruined, twisting stair He crushed his way with reckless speed And reached the scented outer air.

150