Page:The Muse in Arms, Osborn (ed), 1917.djvu/314

 CXVIII

I

HERE was a peace at eve no other hour

Knows of: the east, a dusken tapestry of yellow light

Woven with feathers from the wings of birds in flight,

Curtained the presence of an unseen Power.

I stood between deep ranks of pillaring pine

In a small glade, and up above a cupola more deep

Recessed into the blueness of the sky. All wrapped in sleep

Save the unresting vigil of starshine.

And then I called on God. The pinetops kissed,

The sky was suddenly disturbed, vague eddies in the air

Scattered night-perfumes, cloud-sheets raced, grass rustled everywhere,

Nature made preparation for that mighty tryst.

II

thine hand, sweet Death, my tranquil friend,

And nestling close to thee, I shall have power

To rest uninjured by the transient hour,

Knowing my end.

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