Of a heart that fades and crumbles as the crimson of a rose.

[Illustration: (ILLILEO)]




[Illustration: (WIFE-BLESSÉD, THE)]

THE WIFE-BLESSÉD


I

In youth he wrought, with eyes ablur,
Lorn-faced and long of hair--
In youth--in youth he painted her
A sister of the air--
Could clasp her not, but felt the stir
Of pinions everywhere.


II

She lured his gaze, in braver days,
And tranced him sirenwise;
And he did paint her, through a haze
Of sullen paradise,
With scars of kisses on her face
And embers in her eyes.