Two Nights

Last night he kissed my hair, and kissed my face,
And laughed, and praised my figure's supple
grace.
My soul was dazzled as with sudden flame:
Star behind star my sweet star-bridesmaids came:
To-night, to-night,
No soft starlight,
But gloom profound that veils the heaven and sea.
Last night the world was full of light and fire:
Star throbbed to star, and burned with sweet desire.
There was no heaven, — for earth was heaven instead!
No immortality, — for death was dead!
To-night, to-night,
Dead is delight,
And pain awakes and lives eternally.
Last night I thought before God's throne I stood,
And knew, knew once for all, that God was good.
To-night how vast a darkness clothes me round:
I madden for love's footfall. Not a sound! —
Last night, last night,
My love took flight:
Cloud sobs to cloud, and whispers, "Where is he?"