Last Night My Lady Talked with Me

As on a green hill I and she Sat close, where erst alone I stood Beneath the dusk-leaved ilex-wood.

The earth was gathered to her rest, Sweet silence lay upon her breast, Well-nigh asleep, save that she heard The wandering waters’ silver word.

The sun had kissed the earth’s dark lips That grow so ruddy ere he dips, Wine-coloured to his golden rim, As purple evening pours for him.

Low stooped his head, as he would drink, Till out of sight we saw him sink, And with his splendour in our eyes, Full-orbed we watched the great moon rise.

Rose-tinged in the dim sky shone she Like Venus from the opal sea, So grew her glory in our sight, Till in her face we saw love’s light,

Love’s light in hers, like flame on flame,— Yea, very Love in presence came, Between the fires of moon and sun, He stood, like dawn ere night begun.

Clear-aureoled his golden head, His eyes our burning hearts well read, And in the sanctuary of my soul I won of love the golden goal.