Classic Poem

Who are ye, spirits, that stand
In the outer gloom,
Each with a blazing heart in hand,
Which lighteth the dark beyond the tomb?

" Oh, we be souls that loved
Too well, too well!
Yet, for that love, though sore reproved,
(Oh, sore reproved!) have we 'scaped hell.

" 'Scaped hell, but gained not heaven.
Woe, woe and alas!
Only — to us this grace is given,
To light the dark where the dead must pass.

" Behind us the shadows throng,
And the mists are gray;
But our blazing hearts light the soul along
From grave to yon gate that hides the day. "

Who may this lady be
At my right hand?
" This is the heart which for Anthony
Changed from soft flesh to a burning brand. "

" This for Æneas glowed,
Is glowing still. "
" This kindled for Phaon; the flame it showed
No waters of ocean could quench or kill. "

This shape, with the flowing hair?
" She loved so much
That even the Sinless heard her prayer,
Pitied her pangs, and suffered her touch. "

Bid the sounds of crackling cease!
" They blaze, they burn! "
Let me flee back to my coffined peace!
" Pass on (they beckon); there's no return. "

Spirits, why press ye close?
I am faint with fear!
" Already thy heart like an ember glows;
Pluck it forth from thy bosom, thy place is here. "

Happy Francesca! thine
Is the fairer lot.
Better with him in hell to pine
Than stand in cool shadows by him forgot!