THE DISCIPLES

A great king made a feast for Love,

And golden was the board and gold

The hundred, wondrous gauds thereof;

Soft lights like roses fell above

Rare dishes exquisite and fine;

In jeweled goblets shone the wine —

A great king made a feast for Love.

Yet Love as gladly and full-fed hath fared

Upon a broken crust that two have shared;

And from scant wine as glorious dreams drawn up

Seeing two lovers kissed above the cup.

A great king made for Love's delight

A temple wonderful wherein

Served jeweled priest and acolyte;

There fell no darkness day or night

Since there his highest altar shone

With flaming gems as some white sun,

A temple made for Love's delight.

Yet Love hath found a temple as complete

In some bare attic where two lovers meet;

And made his altar by one candle's flame

Seeing two lovers burned it in his name.