Sonnets and Songs — Malua

_Malua_ Out of the purple treasuries of night Came the dark wind of evening silver-starred-- Stirred on his cheek.

The forest keeping ward Breathed with a tremulous silence, and the bright, Bare moon crowned his adoring brow with light.

The exquisite dream of beauty held him hard In a great love, a forest love, unmarred-- Still unprofaned--by human nature's sight.

Guarding the temple gates of peace he stood, Statue of bronze with pagan heart of stone.

Sudden, a dazzling glory lit the wood-- Moon in his soul that dimmed the moon above.

Life was revealed, a Spring-sweet maid, alone-- Beauty was woman, and the woman--Love.

VIII