DREAM ANGUISH

My thought of thee is tortured in my sleep —

Sometimes thou art near beside me, but a cloud

Doth grudge me thy pale face, and rise to creep

Slowly about thee, to lap thee in a shroud;

And I, as standing by my dead, to weep

Desirous, cannot weep, nor cry aloud.

Or we must face the clamouring of a crowd

Hissing our shame; and I who ought to keep

Thine honour safe and my betrayed heart proud,

Knowing thee true, must watch a chill doubt leap

The tired faith of thee, and thy head bow'd,

Nor budge while the gross world holdeth thee cheap!

Or there are frost-bound meetings, and reproach

At parting, furtive snatches full of fear;

Love grown a pain; we bleed to kiss, and kiss

Because we bleed for love; the time doth broach

Shame, and shame teareth at us till we tear

Our hearts to shreds — yet wilder love for this!