You laughed, and from the belfries of the earth The music rippled like a shaken pool; And listless banners at the breeze of mirth Were stirred in harbours suddenly made cool.
You wept, and all the music of the air --As when a hand is laid upon a bell-- Was stilled, and Dryads of the tossing hair Crept back abashed within the secret dell.
YES, they were kind exceedingly; most mild Even in indignation, taking by the hand One that obeyed them mutely, as a child Submissive to a law he does not understand.
They would not blame the sins his passion wrought. No, they were tolerant and Christian, saying, “We Only deplore ...” saying they only sought To help him, strengthen him, to show him love; but he
Following them with unrecalcitrant tread, Quiet, towards their town of kind captivities, Having slain rebellion, ever turned his head Over his shoulder, seeking still with his poor eyes
Her motionless figure on the road. The song Rang still between them, vibrant bell to answering bell, Full of young glory as a bugle; strong; Still brave; now breaking like a sea-bird’s cry “Farewell!”
And they, they whispered kindly to him “Come! Now we have rescued you. Let your heart heal. Forget! She was your danger and your evil spirit.” Dumb, He listened, and they thought him acquiescent. Yet, (Knowing the while that they were very kind) Remembrance clamoured in him: “She was wild and free, Magnificent in giving; she was blind To gain or loss, and, loving, loved but me,--but me!
“Valiant she was, and comradely, and bold; High-mettled; all her thoughts a challenge, like gay ships Adventurous, with treasure in the hold. I met her with the lesson put into my lips,
“Spoke reason to her, and she bowed her head, Having no argument, and giving up the strife. She said I should be free. I think she said That, for the asking, she would give me all her life.”
And still they led him onwards, and he still Looked back towards her standing there; and they, content, Cheered him and praised him that he did their will. The gradual distance hid them, and she turned, and went.
HOPE held his hand and ran with him together. Despair, the coward, at their coming fled. Like a young ram, he shook his hornèd head, And broke away from his restraining tether. He loved the sea, he loved the cleansing flame; No woman yet, his heart was all too young; Over the plain of life his heart was flung, Seeking for jeopardies that he might tame. He cloaked his faith with laughter, but his faith Was certain, as his confidence was gay, And laughing went he, till on his last day His hands stretched out to life were clasped by death.