The Stars in the Pool: A Prose Poem for Lovers

Edna Kingsley Wallace

The Stars in the Pool: A Prose Poem for Lovers

I

MIDMOST The Castle of a forest of weaving lights and shadows, of dreaming winds, and fragrance wandering, there stood a great white castle, fair, and gleaming in the sun. Massive it was, yet high as well, so that it caught all colours of the dawn and sunset, like unto some peak of snow, remote from men.

Within the castle dwelt the good King Telwyn, lord of all that forest realm, wherein at Good King Telwyn whiles were clearings, with orchards and vineyards, and fields of all manner of grain good for man and beast. And with the King was Ellaline, the Queen, beloved and beautiful, and mother of Roseheart, whom Telwyn her father, old and wise, knew for the tenderest thought of God in woman form.

Fair as the dawn was Roseheart, and about her a freshness like that of babes. There was in her hair the ruddiness of tried gold, spun into a web to catch the sun. Like the sky in the East at twilight were her eyes, and the dark brows thereof as a flight of bird's wings. The mouth of her was crimson, and The Beauty of Roseheart fresh, and young, and curved so tenderly withal, that none looking upon her might fail to love her with the love that leaps into the heart for all young things of fair seeming and promise.

Now upon a day came overseas to Telwyn's realm one like a young god invincible, Flame, son of Lokus, lord of a far island, wherein were fiery mountains having their roots in the sea. It was a land of wondrous beauty, but they that dwelt therein, rich though they were, for that the land was exceeding fertile, yielding in fullest measure the fruits of the earth, yet dwelt ever in danger betwixt The Isle of Lokus the mountains and the sea. For there had been times when living fire had rolled down the mountains, and the earth had been shaken mightily, and the sea, in a huge wall of emerald, had fallen upon the land and overwhelmed it. And Lokus, giving thought to these things, had deep desire that the son of his heart should escape these dangers, and live out his years in peace and happiness. And for that the youth was ever of the mind to fashion of the clay of the earth whatsoever things he saw, and might in nowise be withheld from the cunning of his hands, it came into the mind of Lokus that it were poor kindness to the child of Lokus Remembereth his Youth his love to constrain him to courts and statecraft. For Lokus remembered his own youth, and the struggle thereof, when that his father had denied him the life of his own gift, which, darkling long, now sought in the son of his body and spirit its life to the glory of God.

Wherefore Lokus had called his son to him, and had bidden him to go straitly to the friend of his own youth, the wise King Telwyn, who would teach him somewhat of life and living in the great world. But more than for the ways and wit of men did Flame have thought for all things beautiful The Gifts of Flame in form. Right well he loved to liven clay to semblance of young maids and children, mothers, and old men wise with living. Ever into their faces he put somewhat no other man might see in them. At whiles, shapes of beauty like to nought that he had seen swam before his vision, but swiftly they faded, and he rubbed his eyes, and looked as he were silly. Wherefore men called him Dreamer. Yet with all this had he little thought for what the Lord God had meant in the making of the world, being well content in this his youth that by the instinct of his fingers, and no thought withal, he could please the good folk with Flame and the Salt Sea happy likeness of themselves. Tall and straight was Flame, with hair like fire seen through smoke, and with skin like ripe olives in the light of the going sun. Firm his mouth, and his brow both high and wide. In his eyes were all the changing lights and colours of the sea. And it was as if the salt sea were in his blood, so that when he flamed in the wont of youth and joy, it seemed like driftwood burning, leaping, flowering, in all the colours known of men.

And Flame, son of Lokus, looking upon the Princess Roseheart, drew one great breath, and loved her with the The Birth of Love love of a man's heart. And Roseheart, when she looked into the eyes of Flame, and his heart therein, knew him for her lord, and loved him wholly.

Wherewith, Telwyn the King, her father, seeing these things, pondered the youth, and when he had questioned him straitly, was in nowise loath that the thing should be. For Telwyn was a wise man and discerning, and found Flame a goodly youth, and nought against him for an husband to the Princess, his daughter. Then was their troth plighted, yet were they over young to wed, and Telwyn the King spake plain words to Flame, Their Troth Plighted that it were well he should prove himself in some wise ere he should claim for bride the Princess Roseheart.

II

NOW The Pool some way from the castle, deep in the forest, was set a Pool, so deep and still that in its depths was imaged all that bent above its brim—the fluttering leaves, and long-stemmed flowers, the flashing flight of birds, and white-winged argosies of cloud. And so shadowed it was, and so deep beyond depth, that he who looked as far as he might could see the stars of heaven mirrored therein.

Daylong The Faces of Love did Flame feed the hunger of his eyes on the beauty of his beloved, as clad in kirtle of forest-green, girt with gold, she knelt at the edge of the Pool, or laughing, chased the butterflies, to woo them to her lips and hair. At whiles deep quiet came upon them as they bent above the Pool, seeing nought of all it held save only the two faces of love that looked therein.

Upon a day at the hour of golden noon, when all the land swam in a haze of beauty, a flickering brightness came and passed, when Earthlove, sprite invisible, touched with his lips these twain, and with a lilt Earthlove Sprite Invisible of laughter rode away athwart a sunbeam. Thereafter did Flame kiss Roseheart long, upon the mouth, and trembling, gazed into her eyes that were like still pools, wherein was nought save his own image, more beautiful than life. And Flame's heart swelled within him, lordly-wise, for that he dwelt so in the eyes and the heart of his beloved. And in the eyes of Flame was nought save Roseheart imaged, but swaying as it were on a surging wave wherethrough ran all the changing lights and colours of the sea.

But when it was some while since these things had befallen, The Old Gray Woman the dusk was come, all suddenly, and there passed strangely over the Pool a shivering, and from it rose a mist that hid it. The heart of Flame was troubled, and lifting his eyes to see what was toward, he saw before him momently a figure of sorrow, Wur, the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, whose eyes were as misty pools at twilight, her hair as cobwebs matted, and her garments as the wings of the dusk. Yet upon her, nathless, was a wistful beauty as of moonlight, wherein were all things wondrous.

"Behold!" said Flame in wonder to the maid Roseheart, but she was in fear of somewhat Of Sorrow that was as a thing known and not known, and would not look, but turned her face to his breast. And Flame spoke unto the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, saying, "Gray One, I pray thee, what wouldst thou?"

She answered, and her voice was as the winds of autumn, through bare branches: "I am Sorrow, and the Way of Destiny, and the Shadow of Things to be. The flower fadeth, and the flesh falleth away as a garment, but the seed and the soul shall not perish, except the seed fall on barren ground, and the soul feed upon the body alone. Ponder ye these things in your hearts." And in a breath she was gone, leaving upon them a chill as of the winter death.

The Way of Destiny Wherefore was Flame of grievous mind for that he did not understand these things. And Roseheart clung to him weeping, the while he gave her such sweet comfort as he might. Long he looked upon her in wonder, at the spun gold of her hair, the white shining about her brows, her deep, still eyes wherein was nought but his image, her mouth fashioned to joy and love, and her slender body, curving to the grace of womanhood. And once again Earthlove, sprite invisible, touched him, and stung him, and his heart surged Earthlove Once More with love of the maid, and his man's desire grew great within him.

She stirred, and looked into his eyes, and shrank away, for therein was that which affrighted the peace of her soul. Looking, she saw not only her fair face, but her whole white body, drifting in the sea-surge of his eyes, wherein were all the changing lights and colours of the sea.

And the soul of Roseheart was faint with the far music of the sea-surge that was the soul of Flame. Yet being but a young maid, she was in fear also, saying, "Flame! Thou dishonourest Sea-Surge and Fire-Bloom me!" and freed herself, and sped away fleetly.

And upon the youth was shame, but a new strength therewith, so that he refrained him from following her, and cast himself upon the ground and wept, for that he had affrighted the innocence of Roseheart whom his soul loved. And a great cry for succor grew in him, and he prayed full heartily to the Lord God that He would show him His will.

Thereafter, feeling a presence, he looked up, and his eyes were blinded with a great light, and he covered his eyes, and bowed his head. Before him, in garments more shining than the Senta the Radiant One noonday sun, stood Senta, the Radiant One. She spake, and her voice had the beauty of the sea in storm, when sudden sunlight, flaming from the West, gives rainbow colours to the flying foam: "Hearken, Flame, to the voice of Vision, which the Lord God put into thy soul when thou wast born. From this day forth shalt thou rest not, but follow thy dream through all the earth and across the seas. At the last shalt thou find that thou seekest, for so is it written, but thou shalt not know the manner of thy finding, nor may I tell thee. Sleep."

And upon Flame came sleep as the sleep of the sea at sunrise, The Vision midmost of the summer, whenas the glory of the sky is a great magic in the sea, swinging as a censer to and fro, that the Lord God may be honoured of the wonders He hath made. Now the dream of Flame was a dream of womanhood—of women beautiful as dawn or flowers, of women whose fair seeming covered evil, women good and women false, maids and mothers and harlots, drifting, thronging, clamouring, praying, fawning, passing—until at last came one clad in shining garments, fashioned full seemly, of white silk that flowed and clung, revealing gracious lines of her form who walked stately-wise, with little The Woman of Radiance children about her knees. And Flame saw that her form was radiance, and her eyes were stars, but he might not discern the fashion of her face for the light thereof. And he was sore troubled that the seeming of her face was withholden from him, for he knew in his soul that he had somewhat to do with her.

Came once more the voice of Senta the Radiant One: "Flame, Maker of Images, attend my words. This woman shalt thou seek throughout the world, forasmuch as she is the dream of dreams in thy soul. In the fullness of thy manhood shalt thou fashion her in pure marble, and she shall be called Mother of Mother of Men Men. As for thee, thou shalt be called the Giver of Dreams. Awake."

And Senta the Radiant One, passing, gathered to her breast with one swift motion the sprite Earthlove, that had revealed to her Flame and Roseheart in their need to be taught the wisdom of life which they knew not.

III

Senta Taketh Earthlove AND when that Senta had taken Earthlove unto herself, and had passed, the evening was come, and there were stars a-many in the depths of Pool. Therewith, looking upon them, a great peace came upon Flame, and being weary, he laid himself down that he might sleep and be refreshed. And as he slept, he dreamed of that woman whose form was radiance, and whose eyes were stars. And Dreams and Awakening his fingers stirred, and sought to fashion out of the earth her form of beauty; but all crumbled under his touch, and he might not.

When the morning was come, and upon all things lay new freshness as of the world's beginning, the youth Flame arose and stripped him, and plunged his body in the Pool that sleep might be shaken from him. Whereafter he got him to the castle, and when that he had stayed his hunger with bread and new milk, asked that he might have speech with his troth-plight, the Princess Roseheart. Then a serving-man led him through many halls to a The Queen and her Women great room wherein with their women sat Roseheart and the Queen her mother.

And there, in seemly raiment of soft colours, crimson, and the brown of old wood, and fresh green, the women sat before their looms, and their frames wherein rich broidery grew under their white fingers. And over all was sunlight, a flickering whereof was made by blown vines without the casements, which were open to the morn. There was the whisper of silk, and much babble of talk, after the fashion of women working. Shuttles flew in the looms, and white arms wondrous fair in motion drew forth Beauty Added unto Beauty long silken threads, being wrought into fine stuffs, to the end that beauty might be added unto beauty.

Queen Ellaline sat very still in the midst of these her women. Of delicate fashion she was, and gentle. Her eyes were widely set, and blue, and mother-sweet, and her hair was silvering with the caress of the years. And she was sad in the midst of sunshine, forasmuch as she was troubled at the mien of the maid, her daughter, who sat with drooping head and still hands. And in good sooth, the heart of the Princess was heavy within her, and no little in fear. Nightlong had she Roseheart is Troubled seen the vision of Flame, in whose eyes like the sea lay her white body floating. Never before since he had loved her had she seen aught but her soul's self therein, and she was troubled.

And now Flame, son of Lokus, lord of that far isle of sea-surge and fire-bloom, entered in courtly wise this room of work and idleness, of gayety and gossip, and of love perplexed. In reverent greeting did he kiss the hand of Queen Ellaline; then turning him to the Princess Roseheart, he took both of her white hands in his, seeking to look into her eyes. And soon, for her love of him she Roseheart is Troubled might not refrain, and bravely gave them to his seeing. And for that she was shamefast, in the way of a maid, she looked as one that saw not. But in the eyes of Roseheart, he who loved her saw as he was wont only the image and seeming of himself. And he was sorrowful therewith, forasmuch as he had thought mayhap to find in the eyes of his love the twin stars of the woman of his dream. But the thing was not. And remembering the Radiant One, and the things that she had said, he knew that, will-he, nill-he, he must fare forth in quest of that woman whose form was radiance, and whose eyes were stars—her from Mother of Men whom he should fashion his Mother of Men.

Then spake Ellaline, the Queen, with quiet voice, saying, "What wouldst thou, Flame, son of Lokus? My daughter Roseheart hath seeming of some ill-hap with which thou hast to do."

Therewith did Flame drop the hands of Roseheart his love, and standing before the Queen her mother, he spake on this wise: "I know not what this thing may be, but somewhat hath been laid upon my will, so that choice it hath none. Wherefore, though thy daughter Roseheart is as the blood of Flame Speaketh Plainly my heart to me, and fain would I take her to wife straightway, yet first must I go across the sea, and through all the earth, until I find a certain woman whose form is radiance and whose eyes are stars, that I may fashion of her in pure marble a Mother of Men that shall fulfill the dream of my soul. Not of my willing is this thing laid upon me. But the Lord God when I was born put into my soul the vision, and into my hands the cunning to fashion the shape of my vision. Therefore must I go, and abide the will of the Lord God lest He destroy me. Whether I shall return I know not, for many will be the perils of the way, The Pain of Roseheart but in my heart meseems I know that I shall return and take to wife the maid Roseheart, whom in all honour I love and cherish."

Hearing these words at the last, Roseheart found somewhat of courage beyond that she had had, and looked into the eyes of Flame. Therein was no longer her own white body, as she had feared to see, but the noble form of a woman whose white silken draperies flowed and clung, whose form was radiance, and whose eyes were stars. With her were little children. And Roseheart, gazing, beheld the form of radiance, and the faces of the A White Stillness children, as somewhat known, and not known, and in her heart was a white stillness, and no anger that Flame would leave her to seek this woman, but only the pain of longing, and a meekness like that of Mary, the Blessed Mother.

Flame, pitiful of the still sorrow of Roseheart, clasped her to his breast, and kissed her thrice upon the forehead. But the Lure of the Way of Life was upon him, and turning strongly from the maid and the Queen, her mother, he said: "Good greeting must I give you, from the heart, and long farewell, for that I must be about the Flame, His Farewell business the Lord God hath set me. But ere I go, I would see Telwyn, and speak with him of that I have to do."

IV

Flame, His Farewell ALL silently they three together sought Telwyn, the King, but now returned from the hunt, and sitting at meat with his men in the great banquet hall of the castle.

A mighty man of sorts was Telwyn. Fierce in war, yet had he also a great love of peace, of beauty, of mirth and joy, and of his food and wine. Also had he great discernment for the true things in the hearts King Telwyn of men. Wherefore, seeing sorrow and heaviness in the faces of the three whom he loved, who would have speech with him, he bade his men-at-arms and serving-men depart.

When that he had listened all quietly to the words of Flame, there first came anger into his heart, and a mist upon his sight, for that Roseheart, his daughter, who was as the remembered joy of his youth, should be in woe for the going from her of Flame, Son of Lokus, to follow the gleam of stars in the eyes of the woman of his dream. Yet was Telwyn proud, and would constrain no man to take unreadily his The King Pondereth daughter Roseheart; and just, for that he remembered what he had said to the youth, that it were well he should prove himself somewhat ere he should take the maid in marriage. Therefore with a mighty intake of the breath, and closing the lids of his eyes, wherein were lightnings, King Telwyn spake on this wise, his voice as the voice of far thunders: "Flame, son of Lokus, thou grievest the heart of Telwyn, father of Roseheart, for that thou puttest the maid in sorrow for thy going. Yet am I a man, and know the heart of a man in youth. Fain would I give thee of the wisdom I have learned, but that may not be. Telwyn Admonisheth Flame In pain and struggle shalt thou come to thine own wisdom, which is for thee alone, so that no man may give it thee, but thou must win it. Yet since thou hast won a maid to her promise, it were meet that thou shouldst go thy ways carefully, bravely, and in good faith, that thou mayest return in honour.

I charge thee, see thou to these things lest the vengeance of Telwyn find thee out, though thou wert in the uttermost parts of the earth. Lend not thy soul to wine to make a mock of, nor to false women that they may break it. Bear thou thyself with modesty; give of thy strength and wit to whomsoever Telwyn Admonisheth Flame hath need of them. Cheat no man of his due in any wise, remembering that so thou wouldst cheat thyself of thy birthright, which is to be one with truth and right in so far as thou canst attain thereunto. Thou art the son of Lokus, and art bound to carry his name and blood in honour. I have spoken. Farewell."

V

Ellaline Distraught NOW was Ellaline, the Queen, fair distraught, for that she understood not her own mind in the matter. And her heart was as water with pity of the maid, and as a sting her tongue, whenas she thought of the going of Flame, for that to her seeing he had put an affront upon their house. Yet might she not speak in wrath, when Telwyn her husband had spoken in quietness. And there came upon her a Ellaline Beholdeth Wur trembling lest she speak, and Telwyn's displeasure come upon her.

Wherefore, turning to flee away, lest speaking she do wrong, Ellaline the Queen saw some way off in the hall a figure of sorrow, Wur, the Old Gray Woman of Shadows. And being in eld, well she wot that in the coming of Wur was sign that the Lord God was minded to send upon their house sorrow and the winds of destiny, and that not for her love and grief might these things be stayed in anywise. Wherewith she kissed the maid her daughter tenderly, as in farewell, and fled away straitly, weeping. The Strength of Flame And Roseheart was white and still.

When Flame turned him to the Princess Roseheart, fain would she have had him kiss her upon the mouth, but he would not, seeking her brow instead, in all tenderness. And piteous was the face of the maid, that Flame whom she loved denied her. But the eyes of Telwyn marking the thing, it seemed good to him that Flame turned him from the lips of his love. Well did the King know the hearts of men, and right heartily did he hold in scorn those who had not the wit to fear such things as betray men unto weakness.

Thereafter did Flame get him The Going of Flame thence right speedily, to take ship for far countries.

The maid Roseheart covered her eyes that she might not see the going of her beloved. And she wept full sore, and when Telwyn the King would have comforted her, Wur, the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, came unto her pitifully, and took her from the arms of her father, and folded her mantle about her, and led her away all gently. And yielding his little maid unto Wur, whom well he wot of old, the King was shaken in grief, that the thing must be and nought might stay it.

VI

Roseheart and Wur DAYLONG and nightlong the maid clung to Wur and to none other, and the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, whose voice was like unto the winds of Autumn, made sad music of the days and ways of men. Ever she spake, telling tales of sorrow, whereunto Roseheart listened, saying in her heart, "There is no sorrow like to mine, who am a widow before I am wed."

Yet there was, withal, in the Roseheart Wakes Weeping tales of Wur, a gray beauty that melted the heart of the maid, even in despite of her own grief, to a vague and terrible longing to learn what lay at the heart of life. Nightlong did Wur watch over her, and the maid dreamed in sorrow, to wake weeping.

So for a space was grief bitter in the maid, and grievous was the hurt of all things, for that Flame whom she loved had gone his ways from her. Then on a day, for pity of the grief wherewith she suffered, a longing grew in her to look upon the face of her sadness in the Pool in the forest. Thither she went, therefore, with Wur, The Face of Grief the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, and leaned over the Pool in the wont of her old fashion. And as with sore pity of herself she looked into the Pool, upon the face of grief that was hers, she saw that in her eyes, which aforetime had held nought save the face of Flame, was an image that blotted out all else. Semblance it had of an image of Wur, the Old Gray Woman of Shadows, whose hair was as cobwebs matted, whose eyes were as misty pools at twilight, and whose garments were as the wings of the dusk. Yet as the maid looked more nearly, she saw that the form had only the seeming of Wur, and was in good sooth that of Roseheart herself, stricken in grief to the likeness of Wur.

Arising in wonder she turned her to look upon Wur, and in the face of the Old Gray Woman of Shadows she saw strangely the semblance of herself, Roseheart. And at the horror and mystery of this thing which she might not understand, the maid shrieked with terror. And when the Old Gray Woman would have folded her in her arms to quiet her, the maid would not, and shrank away, and prayed for help to the Lord God that she might have comfort.