Sequences

As I passed the palace of painted Sin, 
     I heard the music's melodious clash, 
And saw the unwary go gayly in,
     Lured by dark eyes and the red wine's flash.

But a shadow threatened in every light, 
     And a low moan echoed the noisy laugh;
And I said, The orb that is sphered aright
     Has peace and rest in its darkened half.

No path is good till ye know its goal,
     No sowing is worthy that sows ill seed ;
The joys of the senses bloom in the soul, 
     Nightshade or lily, the rose or the weed.

Our every song has an after-song ;
     He sings but half who has no refrain;
Erring pleasure abides not long,
     Its swift rebound is the spasm of pain.

The shallow mirth and the faded wit
     That live in the wine-cup's flashing bead,
Start choral echoes from ruin's pit,
     A warning voice were ye wise to heed.

Under the flaring lamps of sin
     Waves the avenger his wings of gloom;
Bacchant shout and the revel's din
     Drown not the menace of coming doom.

Behind the guest who is lifting the cup
     A phantom skeleton lifts a dart;
In the clink of glasses tossed gayly up
     Is the short, sharp ring of a breaking heart!

The deed ye do is the prayer ye pray:
     "Lead us into temptation; Lord;
Withhold the bread from our babes this day, 
     To evil we turn us, give evil's reward!"

Over to-day the to-morrow bends, 
     With an answer for each acted prayer;
And woe to him who makes not friends 
     With the pale hereafter hovering there \!