English poem
V
by Robert Nichols (1893–1944)
In the second watch of the night The amazed guards saw with affright Gold stars fall in a shower: Coins of gold in a sweeping flight, They silently broke on the tower.
And the tower's top turned a rose Of enwreathed, ruddy light, And, like men smit of their foes, The guards fell at the sight....
And the Rose possessed the tower alone All the blue, windless night.