Page:Poems Piatt.djvu/121

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A WALL BETWEEN.
107
Love's blush by moonlight will fade out full fast.
  Love's lightning scar at least we keep.
  Now, let me—go to sleep.

  His voice, too, in disguise!
It is—in pity, no! Yes, it is he!
  With tears of memory in his steadfast eyes.
Mock-priest, how sharply you have shriven me!
  Your cousin's righteous robes———I fear
  You had somewhat to hear.

  Ah?———Had you said but this
A year ago. Now, let my chill hand fall;
  It gives you back your youth.—But you will miss
My shadow from your sunshine. That is all
  Yet—if some lovelier life shall dawn
  And I should love you on?

  Good-bye. Was it well done?
You know that Eastern tale, where gifts of gold
  And glory—as a king's comfort—came to one
'Who, having starved, went out with courtesy cold
  To meet and waive that bitter state,
  Dumbly, through his own gate.