Page:Tristram of Lyonesse and other poems (IA tristramoflyonesswinrich).pdf/183

 Shall all things brighten, and this my sign be dark?' And high from heaven suddenly rang the lark, Triumphant; and the far first refluent ray Filled all the hollow darkness full with day. And on the deep sky's verge a fluctuant light Gleamed, grew, shone, strengthened into perfect sight, As bowed and dipped and rose again the sail's clear white. And swift and steadfast as a sea-mew's wing It neared before the wind, as fain to bring Comfort, and shorten yet its narrowing track. And she that saw looked hardly toward him back, Saying, 'Ay, the ship comes surely; but her sail is black.' And fain he would have sprung upright, and seen, And spoken: but strong death struck sheer between, And darkness closed as iron round his head: And smitten through the heart lay Tristram dead. And scarce the word had flown abroad, and wail Risen, ere to shoreward came the snowbright sail, And lightly forth leapt Ganhardine on land, And led from ship with swift and reverent hand Iseult: and round them up from all the crowd Broke the great wail for Tristram out aloud. And ere her ear might hear her heart had heard, Nor sought she sign for witness of the word; But came and stood above him newly dead, And felt his death upon her: and her head Bowed, as to reach the spring that slakes all drouth; And their four lips became one silent mouth.