Heaven, though it gave you Burdens to bear, Lightens the heavy load, Shortens the weary road, Breathes on your brain, The balm and the solace And healing of pain. Slumber ye millions Calmly till day! Luxury! Beggary! Sleep, while ye may! VII. Onwards, still onwards! But whither? who knows? Where the lights quiver By the black river, Thither he goes! Frenzy goes with him, His counsel and guide, A phantom, a spectre; She stalks by his side. "Idiot," she whispers, "See'st thou the end? Self-respect flies from thee, Death is thy friend; Nothing is left thee!" Deep from his heart Came a denial,— "O tempter depart; She may remain to me!" "Fool that thou art! Hast thou a truth to give Pure as of yore? What shall her broken trust Ever restore ? Live, and she'll hate thee;— Die;-she'll deplore, Angel that loved thee once, Lost evermore!" VIII. Ceas'd the wind, sunk the rain, Shone out the starlight; Calm o'er the silent stream Glitter'd each far light. Lonely in gloomy mood, On the bleak bridge he stood, Midway above the flood, Looking down wistfully To the dark waters, Grave of the young and fair, Passion's lost daughters. IX. Oh, the pale faces Surging and sailing! Oh, the long garments Lapping and trailing! In the moon-shimmer Pallid and wan, VIII. Ceas'd the wind, sunk the rain, Shone out the starlight; Calm o'er the silent stream Glitter'd each far light. Lonely in gloomy mood, On the bleak bridge he stood, Midway above the flood, Looking down wistfully To the dark waters, Grave of the young and fair, Passion's lost daughters. IX. Oh, the pale faces Surging and sailing! Oh, the long garments Lapping and trailing! In the moon-shimmer Pallid and wan, |