The Dwelling-Place

Deep in a forest where the kestrel screamed, Beside a lake of water, clear as glass, The time-worn windows of a stone house gleamed,         Named only 'Alas.' Yet happy as the wild birds in the glades Of that green forest, thridding the still air With low continued heedless serenades,         Its heedless people were. The throbbing chords of violin and lute, The lustre of lean tapers in dark eyes, Fair colours, beauteous flowers, dainty fruit         Made earth seem Paradise To them that dwelt within this lonely house: Like children of the gods in lasting peace, They ate, sang, danced, as if each day's carouse         Need never pause, nor cease. Some might cry, Vanity! to a weeping lyre, Some in that deep pool mock their longings vain, Came yet at last long silence to the wire,         And dark did dark remain. Some to the hunt would wend, with hound and horn, And clash of silver, beauty, bravery, pride, Heeding not one who on white horse upborne         With soundless hoofs did ride. Dreamers there were who watched the hours away Beside a fountain's foam. And in the sweet Of phantom evening, 'neath the night-bird's lay,         Did loved with loved-one meet. All, all were children, for, the long day done, They barred the heavy door 'gainst lightfoot fear; And few words spake though one known face was gone,         Yet still seemed hovering near. They heaped the bright fire higher; poured dark wine; And in long revelry dazed the questioning eye; Curtained three-fold the heart-dismaying shine         Of midnight streaming by. They shut the dark out from the painted wall, With candles dared the shadow at the door, Sang down the faint reiterated call         Of those who came no more. Yet clear above that portal plain was writ, Confronting each at length alone to pass Out of its beauty into night star-lit,         That worn 'Alas!'