The Shadow Worshiper and Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 Excerpt: ...leaves One face on earth, one sight where'er we turn, A loneliness in Heaven if that be not, A paradise in Hell should that be there. Eve drank with Lucifer--she was the first; The angels with the daughters she brought forth, And I with thee, my Arnold. SCENK I. A FESTIVE HALL. Arnold, Villiars and Guests. ARNOLD. Refill your cups and count the moments' flight By beaded foam-gems on their sides. How now What silent madness hath o'ertaken all? VILLIARS. We are as men by lightning stricken blind Gems on the star-wreathed bowls ne'er glowed so bright, As coruscations of such sparkling wit Upon those lips of thine--they drop spear points. ARNOLD. Then what a wealth of garlands thou canst make; They'll be no sharper to the touch than most Earth-diadems. VILLIARS. Hast worn one that thou speakest So glibly of such consecrated things? ARNOLD. How many fools have worn a crown, --Life Hath coronals she offers all, while men Are but the idiots that she wills them be. Wilt hear a tale? VILLIARS. Thy lips bloom romances With such a relish strange they're sweet to me As drops wherewith our Bacchus feeds us. Speak I Those gaping fools will never heed--they're wrapt. ARNOLD. Ay, in the worthless mantle of their own Ignoble passions I say, refill the cups--All hail, a toast, a toast VILLIARS. Thou lookest so mad; I know thy speech will cut too deep Bid me Give out the toast. ARNOLD. Then speak it merrily. VILLIARS. Pile up the beakers with a crown of foam We go beyond the royal Bacchanal and drain The wealth of sumless diadems. Ready all, My monarchs of a moment? GUESTS. We arc ready. VILLI ARS. Then drink your kingdoms. ARNOLD. Surest way to keep Possession And the toast--VILLI ARS. Is wine and woman. ARNOLD. Since Fate has cursed them once, what need again? VILLIAR...