This page has been validated.
MEMORY AND HOPE.
I.
BACK-LOOKING Memory
And prophet Hope both sprang from out the ground:
One, where the flashing of Cherubic sword
Fell sad, in Eden sward;
And one, from Eden earth, within the sound
Of the four rivers lapsing pleasantly,
What time the promise after curse was said—
"Thy seed shall bruise his head."
II.
Poor Memory's brain is wild,
As moonstruck by that flaming atmosphere
When she was born. Her deep eyes shine and shone
With light that conquereth sun
And stars to wanner paleness year by year:
With odorous gums, she mixeth things defiled;
She trampleth down earth's grasses green and sweet,
With her far-wandering feet.
