III.

Yet later, and the silk did wind Her fair cold form; Little availed the shining shroud, Though ruddy in hue, to cheer or warm. A watcher looked upon her low, and said-- She sleeps, but sleeps, she is not dead. But in that sleep contortion showed The terror of the vision there-- A silent vision unavowed, Revealing earth’s foundation bare, And Gorgon in her hidden place. It was a thing of fear to see So foul a dream upon so fair a face, And the dreamer lying in that starry shroud.