IRENE. ONCE again to the river, Paul, To the river Over again say it all, all Again, that never -- Did you say never again, Paul, We should clasp hands sitting close by the river For ever?" PAUL. "In the warm shade, Irene, here, Past the old tree Ripples on the old ripple, dear, On, just as we Remember it many a year, Sitting close, dear, where you'll sit without me, Irene. You'll forgive, Irene, friend-wife -- Nay, you'll approve The pledge I have pledged in their strife, Hatred and Love. Is't most yours or mine, dear, my life? Take it, tyrants, but no evil can move From above One supreme, the absolute right, That we adore; Oppression defy in that might, Wage ceaseless war Against wrong. Who falls in the fight, Martyrs press over him, whilst they deplore, Evermore. You kiss me, my own; -- can you share All my blame, know Me counted a criminal, dare Seek me so low As the prison-gate, darling, -- bear To look on my shame, Irene, and so All hallow?" "There, there, at your cell night and day." "But, Irene, When they take me to death that way, Dear?" "Then I'll be By the scaffold, Paul." "Will you stay With rest in your eyes there?" "There, Paul, trust me." "Irene!" |