Page:Tristram of Lyonesse and other poems (IA tristramoflyonesswinrich).pdf/69

 Than aught save love might breathe in; fairer far Than keeps the sweet light back of moon and star From high kings' chambers: there might love and sleep Divide for joy the darkling hours, and keep With amorous alternation of sweet strife The soft and secret ways of death and life Made smooth for pleasure's feet to rest and run Even from the moondawn to the kindling sun, Made bright for passion's feet to run and rest Between the midnight's and the morning's breast, Where hardly though her happy head lie down It may forget the hour that wove its crown; Where hardly though her joyous limbs be laid They may forget the mirth that midnight made. And thither, ere sweet night had slain sweet day, Iseult and Tristram took their wandering way, And rested, and refreshed their hearts with cheer In hunters' fashion of the woods; and here More sweet it seemed, while this might be, to dwell And take of all world's weariness farewell Than reign of all world's lordship queen and king. Nor here would time for three moons' changes bring Sorrow nor thought of sorrow; but sweet earth Fostered them like her babes of eldest birth, Reared warm in pathless woods and cherished well. And the sun sprang above the sea and fell, And the stars rose and sank upon the sea; And outlaw-like, in forest wise and free, The rising and the setting of their lights Found those twain dwelling all those days and nights.