THE ARRAS
109
A sword-point clashed on the polished floor;
Two heels clicked sharply ere you were gone.
But I stepped as proud as I went before
By the line of the courtiers, all alone,
Yet—I remembered the arras moved,
And shaken trust in a world a-reel
Convulsed the air like a faith disproved.
Who dropped the sword and who clicked the heel?
Two heels clicked sharply ere you were gone.
But I stepped as proud as I went before
By the line of the courtiers, all alone,
Yet—I remembered the arras moved,
And shaken trust in a world a-reel
Convulsed the air like a faith disproved.
Who dropped the sword and who clicked the heel?
I have smoothed my bodice and dressed my hair:
The snow of my bosom naught reveals.
Was it only fancy that one lurked there
Kneeling to spy as a traitor kneels?
Was it only fancy? You kissed so warm;
Your kiss was all for a space I knew;
And the pulse's riot will jest at harm
And fear sinks drugged in a glance of blue.
The snow of my bosom naught reveals.
Was it only fancy that one lurked there
Kneeling to spy as a traitor kneels?
Was it only fancy? You kissed so warm;
Your kiss was all for a space I knew;
And the pulse's riot will jest at harm
And fear sinks drugged in a glance of blue.
What heart pays toll for its secret sins?
So each heart feareth a torch's shine,
And up in his tower he sits and spins
Perhaps a snare for your life and mine.
The King was gracious to me to-day
And the Queen that model of virtue proved—
And my lord sent jewels to make me gay. . . .
Yet, I wish I knew why the arras moved!
So each heart feareth a torch's shine,
And up in his tower he sits and spins
Perhaps a snare for your life and mine.
The King was gracious to me to-day
And the Queen that model of virtue proved—
And my lord sent jewels to make me gay. . . .
Yet, I wish I knew why the arras moved!
