THE QUIET ENEMY

Hearken! now the hermit bee

Drones a quiet threnody;

Greening on the stagnant pool

The criss-cross light is beautiful;

In the venomed yew tree wings

Preen and flit. The linnet sings.

Gradually the brave sun

Sinks to a day's journey done;

In the marshy flats abide

Mists to muffle midnight-tide.

Puffed within the belfry tower

Hungry owls drowse out their hour....

Walk in beauty. Vaunt thy rose.

Flaunt thy poisonous loveliness!

Pace for pace with thee there goes

A shape that hath not come to bless.

I, thine enemy?... Nay, nay!

I can only watch, and wait

Patient treacherous time away,

Hold ajar the wicket gate.