Part 2 — AT THE LAST
Reading edition
Because the shadows deepened verily,— Because the end of all seemed near, forsooth,— Her gracious spirit, ever quick to ruth, Had pity on her bond-slave, even on me. She came in with the twilight noiselessly, Fair as a rose, immaculate as Truth; She leaned above my wrecked and wasted youth; I felt her presence, which I could not see. "God keep you, my poor friend," I heard her say; And then she kissed my dry, hot lips and eyes. Kiss thou the next kiss, quiet Death, I pray; Be instant on this hour, and so surprise My spirit while the vision seems to stay; Take thou the heart with the heart's Paradise.
Philip Bourke Marston [1850-1887]