We set a stake amidst the stones

That crown the headland shore,

Where wild the sea-wind ever drones

And where the combers roar.

Then leg and ankle, wrist and hand,

We bound her to the stake

With chains that might the fire withstand,

And never a word she spake.

The grey gulls whirled by, light and fleet;

Loud called the hooded tern.

We fired the fagots at her feet
And left her there to burn.

Over her bare breasts flowed her hair,

About her leaped the flame;

But as we turned to leave her there

She spoke no word of blame.

I turned upon the sloping lea,

A moment paused, alone,

Half fearful, gazing, lest I see

The Devil claim his own.

About her breast the red fires gleamed,

The dark smoke caught her hair,

And to my wondering eyes it seemed

A halo floated there.

Home

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page