Page:The Statues in the Block and Other Poems (1881).djvu/73

Rh There walks the poet with his mystic word,
 * And smiles at Eros' mild recruit from Mars.

But midst these bearers of propitious gifts,
 * Behold where two, a youth and maiden, stand:

She bears no boon; his arm no burden lifts,
 * Save her dear fingers pressed within his hand.

Their touch ignites the soft delicious fire,
 * Whose rays the very altar-flames eclipse;

Their eyes are on each other—sweet desire
 * And yearning passion tremble on their lips.

So fair—so strong! Ah, Love! what errant wiles
 * Have brought these two so poor and so unblest?

But see! Instead of anger, Cupid smiles;
 * And lo! he crowns their sacrifice as best!

Their hands are empty, but their hearts are filled;
 * Their gifts so rare for all the host suffice:

Before the altar is their life-wine spilled—
 * The love they long for is their sacrifice.