Page:The Hundred Best Poems (lyrical) in the English language - second series.djvu/127

 The times when I remember to have been Joyful and free from blame.

And from within me a clear under-tone Thrill'd thro' mine ears in that unblissful clime, "Pass freely thro': the wood is all thine own, Until the end of time."

At length I saw a lady within call, Stiller than chisell'd marble, standing there; A daughter of the gods, divinely tall, And most divinely fair.

Her loveliness with shame and with surprise Froze my swift speech: she turning on my face The star-like sorrows of immortal eyes, Spoke slowly in her place.

"I had great beauty: ask thou not my name: No one can be more wise than destiny. Many drew swords and died.Where'er I came I brought calamity."

"No marvel, sovereign lady: in fair field Myself for such a face had boldly died," I answer'd free; and turning I appeal'd To one that stood beside.

But she, with sick and scornful looks averse, To her full height her stately stature draws; "My youth," she said, "was blasted with a curse: This woman was the cause. 105