Vain Freedom

I sat between two shapes with eyes of fire:
All there was dark except those eyes of flame;
Each shape spake severally its dreadful name;
Through them was life made barren of desire.
I heard a sound as of a stricken lyre,
And lust of power and song upon me came;
But they cried out, " For thee shall be no fame;
Kneel down, now, and cast dust on thine attire."

Silent I knelt, in my most abject woe.
Till from my lips there brake a passionate prayer.
Then Love's voice called me, and I strove to go.
They freed me, with wild laughter on the air;
I struggled forward to the light, and, lo!
Not Love it was, but Death who met me there.