Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Robert MowryBell

1368 The Second Volume

IN the groined alcoves of an ancient tower

Amid a wealth of treasured tomes I found

A little book, in choicest vellum bound:

Therein a romance of such magic power

It held me rapt through many a trancëd hour;

And then, the threads of interest all unwound,

Abruptly closed. I searched that palace round,

And for its mate still earth’s preserves I scour.

Perchance that was the whole? Then purposeless

The pain of conflict, and the bitter doubt

But half resolved; love in a dire distress,

Deserted, baffled, with its joy left out.

Could life so end, half told; its school so fail?

Soul, soul, there is a sequel to thy tale!