42 JOHN LESPERANCE. 



n. 



But there's one I never enter, — it is closed to even me ! 



Only once its door was opened, and it shut for evermore ; 

 And though sounds of many voices gather round it, like the sea, 



It is silent, ever silent, as the shore. 



III. 



In that chamber, long ago, my love's casket was concealed, 

 And the jewel that it sheltered I knew only one could win ; 



And my soul foreboded sorrow, should that jewel be revealed. 

 And I almost hoped that none might enter in. 



IV. 



Yet da}' and night I lingered by that fatal chamber door. 

 Till — she came at last, my darling one, of all the earth my own ; 



And she entered — and she vanished with my jewel, which she wore; 

 And the door was closed — and I was left alone. 



She gave me back no jewel, but the spirit of her eyes 

 Shone with tenderness a moment, as she closed that chamber door, 



And the memory of that moment is all I have to prize, — 

 But that, at kast, is mine for evermore. 



VI. 



Was she conscious, when she took it, that the jewel was my love ? 



Did she think it but a bauble, she might wear or toss aside ? 

 I know not, I accuse not, but I hope that it may prove 



A blessing, though she spurn it in her pride. 



About four or five years ago, when I -was editor of the Canadian Ilhistrated News, I 

 received a small copy-book containing a number of short poems, written out in a school- 

 boy's hand. A modest letter accompanied it : Would I kindly look at the pieces, and, if I 

 found any that were suitable, would I kindly give them a corner in my paper. I at once 

 plucked out this flower of a sonnet and published it : — 



" At Pozzuoli, on the Italian coast, 



A ruined temple stands. The thin waves flow 



Upon its marble pavements ; and in row 

 Three columns, last of a majestic host 

 Which once had heard the haughty Roman's boast. 



Rise in the mellow air. Long years ago 



The unstable floor sank down, and from below 

 The shining flood of sapphire — like the ghost 

 Of youth's bright aspirations and high hopes. 



