Page:The Sources of Standard English.djvu/396

Rh MORRIS.

(A.D. 1872.)

O friend, I have seen her no more, and her mourning Is alone and unhelped — yet to-night or to-morrow Somewhat nigher will I be to her love and her longing. Lo, to thee, friend, alone of all folk on the earth These things have I told: for a true man I deem thee Beyond all men call true; yea, a wise man moreover And hardy and helpful; and I know thy heart surely That thou holdest the world nought without me thy fosterling. Come, leave all, awhile I it may be, as time weareth, With new life in our hands we shall wend us back hither. Page 47. . . . . . . . One beckoneth her back hitherward — even Death — And who was that, Beloved, but even I? Yet though her feet and sunlight are drawn nigh The cold grass where he lieth like the dead, To ease your hearts a little of their dread I will abide her coming, and in speech He knoweth, somewhat of his welfare teach. . . . . . . . Hearken, O Pharamond, why camest thou hither? . . . . . . . I came seeking Death; I have found him belike. . . . . . . . In what land of the world art thou lying, Pharamond? . . . . . . . In a land 'twixt two worlds; nor long shall I dwell there. . . . . . . . Who am I, Pharamond, that stand here beside thee? . . . . . . . The Death I have sought — thou art welcome; I greet thee. . . . . . ..