Page:Verses–Blanche·Baughan-1898.pdf/120

 Long time she stood hard by the parapet, Like a bright beacon ’mid the dusky night, For she was very tall and white of limb, And shone in the moonbeams. But the night wore on, And still the stars kept vigil, and the moon, And fair Nereia watch’d with them; but still No vessel rounded the black jutting rock.

Till, hearing the soft breathing of her maids Borne slumbrously upon the air, and all The gentle heavings of the broad sea-breast, She also sank at last to sleep, o’ercome By the kind quiet and persuasive peace; Murmuring low, like a last evening prayer Oft-times repeated: “Prithee hasten, Love!” Then slumber touch’d her lips, and all was still.

But now the flushing of the dawn began To stir within the innocent-hearted heaven;