Shapes and Shadows — Time and Death and Love

_O'er him, whom thou wouldst not forgive, Record what good He did on earth!

and let him live Loved, understood!

Be memory thine of all the worst He did thine own!

_ There at the head of him I cursed I stood--a stone.

TIME AND DEATH AND LOVE.

Last night I watched for Death-- So sick of life was I!

-- When in the street beneath I heard his watchman cry The hour, while passing by.

I called.

And in the night I heard him stop below, His owlish lanthorn's light Blurring the windy snow-- How long the time and slow!

I said, _Why dost thou cower There at my door and knock?

Come in!

It is the hour!

Cease fumbling at the lock!

Naught's well!

'Tis no o'clock!

_ Black through the door with him Swept in the _Winter's_ breath;

His cloak was great and grim-- But he, who smiled beneath, Had the face of Love not Death.