Finias

In the torch-lit city of Finias

that flames on the brow of the South

The Spear that divideth the heart

is held in a brazen mouth --

Arias the flame-white keeps it,

he whose laughter is heard

Where never a man has wandered,

where never a god has stirred.

High kings have sought it,

great queens have sought it, poets have dreamed --

And ever louder and louder

the flame-white laughter of Arias streamed.

For kingdoms shaken and queens forsaken

and high hopes starved in their drouth,

These are the torches ablaze

on the walls of Finias that lightens the South.

Forbear, O Arias, forbear, forbear --

lift not the dreadful Spear --

I had but dreamed of thee, Finias, Finias...

now I am stricken... now I am here!