Moonstains on a leaf-strewn cloister walk, And through the colonades, dead fountains, rain-filled, Cast upward hollow echoes of the stars. Moonlight tinselling a girl's black hair, As a light step crinkles through the leaves: "Paolo? Paolo?" The dry rustlings of the leaves Blur out the whisperings of two, Wrap silk about the sound of kisses. Moonlight streaming in silver Along rapier blades. ... Heavy feet scatter leaves Into frightened leaps. Twice a curse! Then the moan of a man Lying, pale head in the light, Body in shadow. "Paolo, Paolo! Help!" The cry of a girl totters against the colonades And falls across dead fountains That cast upward hollow echoes of the stars. |