Although a curtain of the salt sea-mist May fall between the actor and our eyes— Although he change for dear and softer skies These that the sun has yet but coyly kissed— Although the voice to which we loved to list Fail ere the thunder of our plaudits dies— Although he parts from us in gracious wise, With grateful memory left his eulogist— His...Learn More

As to a bird's song she were listening, Her beautiful head is ever sidewise bent; Her questioning eyes lift up their depths intent— She, who will never hear the wild-birds sing. My words within her ears' cold chambers ring Faint, with the city's murmurous sub-tones blent; Though with such sounds as suppliants may have sent To high-throned...Learn More

A thousand fans are fretting the hot air; Soft swells the music of the interlude Above the murmurous hum of talk subdued; But, from the noise withdrawn and from the glare, Deep in the shadowy box your coilèd hair Gleams golden bright, with diamonds bedewed; Your head is bent; I know your dark eyes brood On the poor sheet of paper you hold...Learn More

Small was thy share of all this world's delight And scant thy poet's crown of flowers of praise; Yet ever catches quaint of quaint old days Thou sang'st, and, singing, kept thy spirit bright Even as to lips the winds of winter bite Some outcast wanderer sets his flute and plays Till at his feet blossom the icy ways, And from the snowdrift's bitter...Learn More

There is an hour when first the westering sun Takes on some forecast faint of future red; When from the wings of weariness is shed A spell upon us toilers, every one; The day's work lags a little, well-nigh done; Far dusky lofts through all the close air spread A smell of eastern bales; the old clerk's head Nods by my side, heavy with dreams...Learn More

As to the drunkard who at morn doth wake Are the clear waters of the virgin spring Wherewith he bathes his eyes that burn and sting And his intolerable thirst doth slake, So is the thought of thee to me, who break One sober moment, sick and shuddering, From all my life's unworthiness, to fling Me at thy memory's feet, and for Love's sake Pray that...Learn More