THE ARRAS
I could have sworn that the arras moved,
That curtain fringed with the fleur-de-lis.
You thought we were safe, who snatched and loved;
That a watchful eye could not pierce to me!
Yet over the sweep of the purple fold
(Like an ocean floor in a moonless night),
A ripple ran to the hem of gold,
One petal hid, and one leapt to light.
That curtain fringed with the fleur-de-lis.
You thought we were safe, who snatched and loved;
That a watchful eye could not pierce to me!
Yet over the sweep of the purple fold
(Like an ocean floor in a moonless night),
A ripple ran to the hem of gold,
One petal hid, and one leapt to light.
I could have sworn that the arras moved.
You think it is locked in our hearts to-day;
That throbbing moment we clung and loved
Is sealed forever and shut away
Where the jealous eye cannot note and brood
On loss or profit in proving shame—
The right of spilling a gallant's blood
The right of branding a woman's name.
You think it is locked in our hearts to-day;
That throbbing moment we clung and loved
Is sealed forever and shut away
Where the jealous eye cannot note and brood
On loss or profit in proving shame—
The right of spilling a gallant's blood
The right of branding a woman's name.
To-day we met in the gallery.
You bowed full coldly and passed me by
And bravely went for the world to see—
No lip-betraying, no softening eye.
'Twas well that the gown was tightly laced
Over my heart, and its stung desire,
Over the breast where your kisses placed
The rose of love with its thorn of fire.
You bowed full coldly and passed me by
And bravely went for the world to see—
No lip-betraying, no softening eye.
'Twas well that the gown was tightly laced
Over my heart, and its stung desire,
Over the breast where your kisses placed
The rose of love with its thorn of fire.
