Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 13 1825.pdf/12

A burning, ruby cloud. There were, whose gaze
Follow'd her form beneath the clear lamp's blaze,
And marvell'd at its radiance. But a few
Beheld the brightness of that feverish hue,
With something of dim fear; and in that glance
Found strange and sudden tokens of unrest,
Startling to meet amidst the mazy dance,
Where thought, if present, an unbidden guest,
Comes not unmask'd. Howe'er this were, the time
Sped as it speeds with joy, and grief, and crime,
Alike: and when the banquet's hall was left
Unto its garlands, of their bloom bereft,
When trembling stars look'd silvery in their wane,
And heavy flowers yet slumber'd, once again
There stole a footstep, fleet, and light, and lone,
Through the dim cedar shade; the step of one
That started at a leaf, of one that fled,
Of one that panted with some secret dread!
—What did Imelda there? She sought the scene
Where Love so late with Youth and Hope had been.
Bodings were on her soul—a shuddering thrill
Ran through each vein, when first the Naiad's rill
Met her with melody,—sweet sounds and low,
—We hear them yet—they live along its flow—
Her voice is music lost! The fountain-side
She gain'd—the wave flash'd forth—'twas darkly dyed
Ev'n as from warrior hearts, and on its edge,
Amidst the fern, and flowers, and moss-tufts deep,
There lay, as lull' d by stream and rustling sedge,
A youth—a graceful youth.—"Oh! dost thou sleep?
Azzo!" she cried. "My Azzo! is this rest?"
—But then her low tones falter'd:—"On thy breast
Is the stain—yes! 'tis blood!—and that cold cheek,—
That moveless lip!—thou dost not slumber—speak!
Speak, Azzo, my belov'd! No sound—no breath!
What hath come thus between our spirits?—Death!—
Death?—I but dream—I dream!"—and there she stood,
A faint, frail trembler, gazing first on blood,
With her fair arm around yon cypress thrown,
Her form sustain'd by that dark stem alone,
And fading fast, like spell-struck maid of old,
Into white waves dissolving, clear and cold;
When from the grass her dimm'd eye caught a gleam
—'Twas where a sword lay shiver'd by the stream,
Her brother's sword!—she knew it—and she knew
'Twas with a venom'd point that weapon slew!
—Woe for young Love!—But Love is strong. There came
Strength upon woman's fragile heart and frame,
There came swift courage!—On the dewy ground
She knelt, with all her dark hair floating round,
Like a long silken stole; she knelt, and press'd
Her lips of glowing life to Azzo's breast,
Drawing the poison forth. A strange, sad sight!
Pale death, and fearless love, and solemn night!
—So the moon saw them last.
—The morn came singing
Through the green forests of the Apennines,
With all her joyous birds their free flight winging,
And steps and voices out amongst the vines!