I HAVE BEHELD

I have beheld a multitude stand still

In such deep silence that a sudden pain

Struck through the heart in sharing the tense strain,

And all the world seemed bounded by one will.

But when precipitated on the sea

Of human feeling was the incident

That caught their wonder; then the skies were rent

With quivering sound, with passion's liberty.

So have I stood before this parting day,

With chilly fingers pressed upon my breast,

That my heart burst not fleshen bands away,

And my sharp cry break through my lady's rest.

I have shut burning eyelids on the sight

Of this dread time that scorches my sad night.