Companioned

At daybreak when the sunrise lay Along the desert sand, I buckled girth and tightened rein, And rode to win the land; I rode as rides a careless youth Who fears no evil tide; But from the dark a phantom stark Pressed out to gain my side.

Gray-cowled and still he nearer drew, The morning air grew chill; The wind wailed low the while I turned And bade him name his will: “My will it is to ride with thee, Whatever chance betide; For good or ill to follow still, More close than friend or bride.”

My heart turned cold, my arm grew weak; I struck a stinging spur And strove at maddest pace to lose That ghostly follower. We reeled upon the desert’s verge, My hard-pressed steed and I,-- And full beside through that wild ride The wraith smiled silently.

He clasped my hand, he touched my brow With lips that froze and burned; “Now art thou mine to have and hold Till all the tale be learned. Put by the whip and ringing spur; Put by the brave array; For thou with me shall presently Go forth in hodden gray.

“I lay my chrism upon thine eyes That thy blind soul may see The grandeur rife in human life, Its joy and misery.”-- So fare we softly side by side, Nor ever turn again; And now I hail the presence “Friend,” Who once had called him “Pain.”