Chapter I: Introduction: I

_Where two fair paths, deep flowered
And leaf-embowered,
Creep East and West across a World concealed,
Which shall he take who journeys far afield?_

_II._

_Canst thou then say, "I go,"
Or "I forego"?
What turns thee East or West, as thistles blow?
Is fair more fair than fair--and dost thou know?_

_III._

_Turn to the West, unblessed
And uncaressed;
Turn to the East, and, seated at the Feast
Thou shalt find Life, or Death from Life released._

_IV._

_And thou who lovest best
A maid dark-tressed,
And passest others by with careless eye,
Canst thou tell why thou choosest? Tell, then; why?_

_V._

_So when thy kiss is given
Or half-forgiven,
Why should she tremble, with her face flame-hot,
Or laugh and whisper, "Love, I tremble not"?_

_VI._

_Or when thy hand may catch
A half-drawn latch,
What draws thee from the door, to turn and pass
Through streets unknown, dim, still, and choked with grass?_

_VII._

_What! Canst thou not foresee
The Mystery?
Heed! For a Voice commands thy every deed!
And it hath sounded. And thou needs must heed!_

_R. W. C._

_1896._

CONTENTS.

PAGE

THE PURPLE EMPEROR 1

POMPE FUNÈBRE 39

THE MESSENGER 47

THE WHITE SHADOW 109

PASSEUR 175

THE KEY TO GRIEF 185

A MATTER OF INTEREST 213

ENVOI 283

THE PURPLE EMPEROR.

THE PURPLE EMPEROR.

Un souvenir heureux est peut-être, sur terre,
Plus vrai que le bonheur.

A. DE MUSSET.