The Confluence

Tears of Ages come in a stream, Sighs flow in from Life's hoary height, Souls of Sorrow bring their gleam Of a light that is but a moan, not a sight.

The gray waves of the Sea of Death Congeal under the cold Sun of Suffering, While Time, playing the flute of Fate, Charms them, snake-like, and doth bring.

Out of a Cave, beyond Lights and Shades Present's storm,--made stormier by Future's promises,-- To mingle in the Ocean of Death Like Sleep, yielding to Dream's caresses.

26

In the deeps of Dream O'er the pool of Sleep A lone star her face Seeking, with song-kindled eyes Her Isle of Rest.

Across the dusky hills The first flush of waking Unfurls its silver banner To signal the Isle for her: She vanishes, as before, into the fading Night.

Thus the Eye of Life Searches for the home of Peace Night after night: And when the sun of Death rises It flees,--it loves its own night.

27