166
THE STATUE AND THE BUST.
And she—she watched the square like a book
Holding one picture and only one,
Which daily to find she undertook.
Holding one picture and only one,
Which daily to find she undertook.
When the picture was reached the book was done,
And she turned from it all night to scheme
Of tearing it out for herself next sun.
And she turned from it all night to scheme
Of tearing it out for herself next sun.
Weeks grew months, years—gleam by gleam
The glory dropped from youth and love,
And both perceived they had dreamed a dream,
The glory dropped from youth and love,
And both perceived they had dreamed a dream,
Which hovered as dreams do, still above,—
But who can take a dream for truth?
Oh, hide our eyes from the next remove!
But who can take a dream for truth?
Oh, hide our eyes from the next remove!
One day as the lady saw her youth
Depart, and the silver thread that streaked
Her hair, and, worn by the serpent's tooth,
Depart, and the silver thread that streaked
Her hair, and, worn by the serpent's tooth,
