KNOWN IN VAIN

As two whose love, first foolish, widening scope,

Knows suddenly, with music high and soft,

The Holy of holies; who because they scoff'd

Are now amazed with shame, nor dare to cope

With the whole truth aloud, lest heaven should ope;

Yet, at their meetings, laugh not as they

In speech; nor speak, at length; but sitting oft

Together, within hopeless sight of hope

For hours are silent:— So it happeneth

When Work and Will awake too late, to gaze

After their life sailed by, and hold their breath.

Ah! who shall dare to search through what sad maze

Thenceforth their incommunicable ways

Follow the desultory feet of Death?