A Reprisal

At the deep midnight hour Sleep, that makes all things whole, Indulged my tortured soul. In the jewel-chest of dreams He stirred the elusive gleams, And found the gift of power, Round, pure, and perfect power, And laid it in my hand.

I said: “I have command Of the Prince of the Power of the Air; His own wings will I wear! I will soar as a great hell-kite To be named The Terror-by-Night, Over mine enemy’s land.”

At the thought, I rode the sky, High over the sea, and high Over field and city and spire; I laughed; I had my desire. For I came to mine enemy’s roof, Safe in a valley aloof, And I knew, as I poised above, There lay his Hope and his Love, The twain that he held most dear, Nestled with cheeks together, Roses in summer weather, Sleeping without a fear. Gray Memory, close beside, Couched her old, kindly head. It was mine to strike them dead, Even as mine own had died.

I cried with a great voice, To mine enemy I cried: “Come forth, come forth, to hear! Look up, look up, to see! Lo, what is in my choice! This deed of black disgrace, This have you done to me; This might I do to you; Yet this I would not do, Yea, this I could not do! Let the knowledge smite your pride Like a gauntlet in the face!”

Mine enemy stood in his gate: He was sadder than I had thought. I hated what he had wrought, But him I could not hate. His eyes were startled wide. What would he have replied? I know not. Ere he spoke, The merciless morning broke. Hawkers in sunny streets Shrilled triumphs and defeats, Sold horrors and despairs. Bells called the world to prayers.