George William Russell - The Parting of Ways lyrics

THE SKIES from black to pearly grey Had veered without a star or sun; Only a burning opal ray Fell on your brow when all was done. Aye, after victory, the crown; Yet through the fight no word of cheer; And what would win and what go down No word could help, no light make clear. A thousand ages onward led Their joys and sorrows to that hour; No wisdom weighed, no word was said, For only what we were had power. There was no tender leaning there Of brow to brow in loving mood; For we were rapt apart, and were In elemental solitude. We knew not in redeeming day whether our spirits would be found Floating along the starry way, Or in the earthly vapours drowned. Brought by the sunrise-coloured flame To earth, uncertain yet, the while I looked at you, there slowly came, Noble and sisterly, your smile. We bade adieu to love the old; We heard another lover then, Whose forms are myriad and untold, Sigh to us from the hearts of men.