II.

Say again, what we are? The sprite of a star, I lure thee above where the Destinies bar My plumes their full play Till a ruddier ray Than my pale one announce there is withering away Some.... Shatter the vision for ever! And now, As of old, I am I, Thou art Thou!

_He muses._

Oh, which were best, to roam or rest? The land’s lap or the water’s breast? To sleep on yellow millet-sheaves, Or swim in lucid shallows, just Eluding water-lily leaves, An inch from Death’s black fingers, thrust To lock you, whom release he must; Which life were best on Summer eves?

_He speaks, musing._

Lie back; could thought of mine improve you? From this shoulder let there spring A wing; from this, another wing; Wings, not legs and feet, shall move you! Snow-white must they spring, to blend With your flesh, but I intend They shall deepen to the end, Broader, into burning gold, Till both wings crescent-wise enfold Your perfect self, from ’neath your feet To o’er your head, where, lo, they meet As if a million sword-blades hurled Defiance from you to the world! Rescue me thou, the only real! And scare away this mad Ideal That came, nor motions to depart! Thanks! Now, stay ever as thou art!

_Still he muses._