Page:Poems Jackson.djvu/327

Which could be tried by kindest heart,
And snatched her back from death again,
Again to tortures fresh; in vain!
Night came, and from her lips no word
Had fallen. All night they faintly stirred,
As if in sleep she dreamed and spoke.
Choy watching, weeping by her, took
Her hand, and said,—
Her hand, and said,—"Oh, tell thy Choy,
Art thou in mortal pain?"
Art thou in mortal pain?""My joy
Is greater than my pain," she said,
"That this poor flesh hath not betrayed
My love. Thanking great Buddha now,
I pray unceasing, till we go
Again to torture." Then no more
Boon spoke. To Choy, but little lower
Than angel she appeared. Ah! true
It was the wife loved best! Love knew
His own. His angels comforted
Her soul with joy through hours which bred
But anguish in Choy's breast.
But anguish in Choy's breast.Too soon
Came cruel day, and brought to Boon
Again the lash, the screw; again
Unto the door of death in vain
They tortured her: no word escaped
Her bloodless lips. Her face seemed shaped
Of iron, so calm, so resolute;
A superhuman light her mute
And upward gaze transfigured, till
In awe the torturers stood still.