Poems (Forrest)/The arras
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.
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 awayWhere 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 byAnd 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.
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-reelConvulsed 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.
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!