Page:Veil other poems .djvu/72



EARKEN—now the hermit bee Drones a quiet threnody; Greening on the stagnant pool The criss-cross light slants silken-cool; In the venomed yew tree wings Preen and flit. The linnet sings. Gradually the brave sun Drops to a day's journey done; In the marshy flats abide Mists to muffle midnight-tide. Puffed within the belfry tower Hungry owls drowse out their hour. . . . Walk in beauty. Vaunt thy rose. Flaunt thy transient loveliness. Pace for pace with thee there goes A shape that hath not come to bless.

I thine enemy? . . . Nay, nay. I can only watch and wait Patient treacherous time away. Hold ajar the wicket gate.