AT EDEN GATES

To Eden Garden — so the sign-post said;

I could not see the road;

But, where the Sussex clover blossomed red

Its runaway blisses flowed.

I traced them back for many a night and day,

— The way she, too, had gone!—

Till lo, the terrible Angel in the way

Inexorably shone.

Up to the Gates, a fearless fool I came;

Between the lily and rose

Fluttering these evil rags of sordid shame,

A thing to scare the crows.

“And hath the Master given thee, then, no word?”

The scornful Angel smiled:

Only two souls may pass my Flaming Sword,—

The Lover and the Child.

I raised my head,— “Now let all hell make mirth,

Where Love went, I go, too!”

His eyes met mine. The sword sank to the earth,

And let her lover through.