The land lay steeped in peace of silent dreams, There was no sound amid the sacred boughs Nor any mournful music in her streams, Only I saw the shadow on her brows, Only I knew her for the Yearly Slain And wept, and weep until she come again. CANZON: THE SPEAR [This fashion of stanza is used by Jaufre Rudel in the song “_D’un amor de lonh_.” The measure is to be sung rather than spoken.] I ’Tis the clear light of love I praise That steadfast gloweth o’er deep waters, A clarity that gleams always. Though man’s soul pass through troubled waters, Strange ways to him are opened. To shore the beaten ship is sped If only love of light give aid. II That fair far spear of light now lays Its long gold shaft upon the waters. Ah! might I pass upon its rays To where it gleams beyond the waters, Or might my troubled heart be fed Upon the frail clear light there shed, Then were my pain at last allay’d. III Although the clouded storm dismays Many a heart upon these waters, The thought of that far golden blaze Giveth me heart upon the waters, Thinking thereof my bark is led To port wherein no storm I dread; No tempest maketh me afraid. IV Yet when within my heart I gaze Upon my fair beyond the waters, Meseems my soul within me prays To pass straightway beyond the waters. Though I be alway banished From ways and woods that she doth tread, One thing there is that doth not fade, V Deep in my heart that spear-print stays, That wound I gat beyond the waters, Deeper with passage of the days That pass as swift and bitter waters, While a dull fire within my head Moveth itself if word be said Which hath concern with that far maid. VI My love is lovelier than the sprays Of eglantine above clear waters, Or whitest lilies that upraise Their heads in midst of moated waters. No poppy in the May-glad mead Would match her quivering lips’ red If ’gainst her lips it should be laid. VII The light within her eyes, which slays Base thoughts and stilleth troubled waters, Is like the gold where sunlight plays Upon the still o’ershadowed waters. When anger is there minglèd There comes a keener gleam instead, Like flame that burns beneath thin jade. VIII Know by the words here minglèd What love hath made my heart his stead, Glowing like flame beneath thin jade. CANZON TO BE SUNG BENEATH A WINDOW I Heart mine, art mine, whose embraces Clasp but wind that past thee bloweth? E’en this air so subtly gloweth, Guerdoned by thy sun-gold traces That my heart is half afraid For the fragrance on him laid; Even so love’s might amazes! II