As a vain pantomime
Life's tending, its ending,
The worth of its fame.
Wise child of November,
Descending, ascending
Those stairs!



THE SECOND NIGHT
(BALLAD)



I missed one night, but the next I went;
It was gusty above, and clear;
She was there, with the look of one ill-content,
And said: "Do not come near!"

- "I am sorry last night to have failed you here,
And now I have travelled all day;
And it's long rowing back to the West-Hoe Pier,
So brief must be my stay."

- "O man of mystery, why not say
Out plain to me all you mean?
Why you missed last night, and must now away
Is--another has come between!"

- " O woman so mocking in mood and mien,