Xi

Ah! why did the poppy-crowned slumber Seal up the rare light of his eyes With its silver of vapory pinions, The creature that sung in each number, To nest in his tired-out eyes, Like a bird that is sick of the skies. Yet he murmured so sad and so thrilling, "Oh God! for a lifetime of song! Oh life! for a world of such song! For a heaven or hell and the killing, Mad angel or devil of song! Oh, the rapture engendered in throwing On bubbles of music and song A soul to the anguish of loving, Until like a flower, full blowing, It is lost in a whirlwind most strong, It dies in a thunder of song!"