THE DECREE

By Gilbert Parker

Last night I saw the warm white Southern moon

Sail upward through a smoky amber sea;

Orion stood in silver majesty

Where the gold-girdled sun takes rest at noon.

I slept; I dreamed. Against a sunset sky

I saw thee stand all garmented in white;

With hand stretched to me, and there in thy sight

I went to meet thee; but I heard thee cry:

“We stand apart as sun from shining sun;

Thou hast thy place; there rolleth far and near

A sea between; until life's all be done

Thou canst not come, nor I go to thee, dear.”

Methought I bowed my head to thy decree,

And donned the mantle of my misery.