Page:The Forest Sanctuary.pdf/43

Did he not say "Farewell?"—Alas! no breath
Came to mine ear. Hoarse murmurs from the throng
Told that the mysteries in the face of death
Had from their eager sight been veil'd too long.
And we were parted as the surge might part
Those that would die together, true of heart.
—His hour was come—but in mine anguish strong,
Like a fierce swimmer through the midnight sea,

Away—away I rush'd;—but swift and high
The arrowy pillars of the firelight grew,
Till the transparent darkness of the sky
Flush'd to a blood-red mantle in their hue;
And, phantom-like, the kindling city seem'd
To spread, float, wave, as on the wind they stream’d,
With their wild splendour chasing me!—I knew
The death-work was begun—I veil'd mine eyes,