I.

The dusky star-set blue of Southern night; Music and song approaching and receding; Sweet sudden laughter-showers of masquers leading Across the moon-white square a merry flight, With breeze-blown torch and tossing cresset bright; Gay Love and glad impetuous Youth unheeding, That float away to the lute’s lovely pleading Down flowing hours smooth-silvered with delight.

And last, a figure of a race despised Shadow in light, groan echoing to the laugh; Bent haggard Age, with uplift shaken staff, At night’s noon knocking, knocking at the door Of a gray, silent house, of that he prized Empty forever and forever more.