Page:Weird Tales Volume 4 Number 3 (1924-11).djvu/55

  cease between us. Bind the rope about your waist. My wife you may leave: had you nibbled, I should have regretted—"

Quickly did I fasten the rope about me. And then up, up, up to sunlight—and pomegranates! My dear friend, never violate the Qoran. 



I scan thy features, calm and white Beneath the single taper's light; Thy dark-fringed lids, behind whose screen. Are eyes that view not earth's demesne.

And as I look, I fain would know The paths whereon thy dream-steps go; The spectral realms that thou canst see With eyes veiled from the world and me.

For I have likewise gazed in sleep On things my mem'ry scarce can keep. And from half-knowing long to spy Again the scenes before thine eye.

I, too, have known the peaks of Thok; The vales of Pnath, where dream-shapes flock; The vaults of Zin—and well I trow Why thou demand'st that taper's glow.

But what is this that subtly slips Over thy face and bearded lips? What fear distracts thy mind and heart, That drops must from thy forehead start?

Old visions wake—thine op'ning eyes Gleam black with clouds of other skies, And as from some demoniac sight I flee into the haunted night.