LIFE cheated me, and from her golden purse Drew forth the lead of promise half-fulfilled, The dice was loaded that love's own hand spilled, And every throw of friendship was a curse. And so my dreams grew ashen as a wraith, With haggard eyes my songs began to tire: Our spirit-compact, free from earth desire, Was the last pillar of my battered faith. Then for the lifting of a lash, your hand Withdrew; you wavered weakly, and we fell; A moment's doubt may send a soul to hell, A moment's earthquake devastate a land. And deep contrition cannot now nor art Rebuild the ruined mansion of my heart. |