Class T3 ^^ddT Book 7i.ii5 6> Copyiiglitl^''- JM COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. GOLDEN LARK GOLDEN LARK A SYMPHONY OF REINCARNATION IN SEVEN TABLEAUX BY FLORENCE RICHMOND NEW YORK ROGER BROTHERS, Publishers 191 1 LONDON: L. N. FOWLER Sf CO. 111! Copyright, 191 i, by ROGER BROTHERS THE TROW PRESS, NEW YORK vp. i •■ .^W 'J ©CI.A30(K;92 TO THE ANGEL OF LOVE " Entreat me not to leave thee, Or to return from following after thee : For whither thou goest, I will go ; And where thou lodgest, I will lodge : Thy people shall be my people, And thy God my God : Where thou diest, will I die. And there will I be buried : The Lord do so to me, and more also. If aught but death part thee and me." —BOOK OF RUTH. LIST OF CONTENTS Portrait Frontispiece . , . Florence Richmond TABLEAU I PAGE The Heart's Desire , , 17 TABLEAU II The Heart of the Rose 31 TABLEAU III Spirit of the Sea 45 TABLEAU IV God's Ways Are Best 55 TABLEAU V Spirits of Prophecy 69 TABLEAU VI Children of the Stars . . 79 TABLEAU VII Realization 91 DRAMATIS PERSONS Golden Lark .... Victory of Life over Death Baal John .... Symbol of Generative Power AsHTORETH Complement of Baal John Elfin Sylph Intermediate Spirit Master Spirit A Triumphant Soul Other Spirits Loving Attendants PROLOGUE It is my privilege to give to the world a symphony of reincarnation. For those not yet ripe for a work so strange, the production may be regarded as a dream-poem — that first insight into the mysterious realm of immortality. The simplicity of the characters portray the delicate and psychological unfolding of their lives. All have their places and their potent meanings; yea, infinitely more than a dream phantasy, however beautiful. Golden Lark symbolizes the victory of Life over Death. She, having reached the truth supreme, returns to earth loves and ties. Her pure ideals of joy, of love, of light are again interpreted at the sanctuary of Love. 1 1 PROLOGUE Baal John symbolizes the god of generative power. He has been worshiped, also, as a sun-god with a crown of rays. Ashtoreth, the complement of Baal John, is sometimes represented under the sign of the crescent. In this symphony of reincar- nation, she stands for the highest type of mortal woman; yet, withal, ever ready to pierce the veil of mystic radiance. Elfin Sylph, according to the Greek, was a spirit of the air. Paracelsus represents the sylph as holding an intermediate place be- tween the material and the immaterial beings. The Spirits are triumphant souls. They hover near with insistent, loving command. The Author. 13 GOLDEN LARK THE HEART'S DESIRE Tableau One A music room, Through an open window the sinking sun Jills the room with rays of light. Golden Lark, leaning against the casement^ is absorbed in the beauty of the sunset. Baal John enters and after a moment'' s hesitation speaks reproachfully to Golden Lark. A Master Spirit, unseen^ hovers near, Baal John Thou art a strange, a most strange girl To baffle thus my heart's desire. Thy dreams on crimson wings of fire Leap like flame the glittering swirl That bathes the white cathedral spire. My pretty one, how camest thou To follow fairy visions far? See, see, my winsome bird, the star Of eve shines fair upon the brow Of heav'n. There no perplexings mar. 17 GOLDEN LARK Master Spirit (Speaks chidingly to Baal John.) Unhappy one! The Fates foretell Thee bare of reason. Be not blind To power of spirit unconfined, And thou shalt stand unwearied, well Equipped against rebellious mind. What honors seekest thou as man Grown hopeless in thine own deep gloom.i^ Thou must progress, but not presume! Go, then, and break the dismal ban, Ere angered gods thy strength consume. Baal John listens to the voice^ then appeals to Golden Lark. Baal John O pause upon thy word this night. Let not the spirits of far worlds Behold our bitter-sweet in whirls Of shattered dream. Beloved, in flight. We, two, shall find Life's purest pearls. 19 GOLDEN LARK Golden Lark Like dust of lilies at our feet, This garment of my soul doth fade. Upon my brow an angel laid His time of coming. Do not weep — The morn illumes night's heavy shade. To learn the theme of Life's great song Thou must ignore all doubts, all fears. Indeed, with what is pure and strong Thou must exalt thy soul, though long Companioned with revengeful years. It is God's way that I must go. With joy I wait His urgent call; And as this rose I here let fall, I stand within the central glow — That Christ, His Son, gave all for all! Baal John Thy voice, like music, magnifies The thought of God upon my brain; Like tempest wild is my complain 11 \ GOLDEN LARK Without thee. Love. My whole world lies In stifling darkness. All is vain ! How shall I 'scape the fires that flare Upon thy brow, thy luring eyes? A swallow swiftly wings the skies, And strikes the clouds with dauntless dare. To hark the lute of Paradise. If I were like the gallant bird I would not dream of yesterday; I would not yield unto the lay That sounds a dirge in broken word. But sing, and bear me far away. Golden Lark Hush, hush, dear heart, thy common grief Is but the shadow of earth's gloom. Plan well to pluck Life's fairest bloom, Though far from thee, on highest reef — Past doubt, past death, past crumbling tomb! [She falls upon a couch. Attendants enter ^ 23 GOLDEN LARK The hour is come! I pass the dark — An angel quickens his soft pace. O let me look upon thy face, And call me once again thy Lark, Here in this dear familiar place. Baal John (Kneels beside her,\ Must I then stretch my hands to thee Beyond the realms of Eden's goal? Shalt fail me now thy seraph-soul, Unheeding all the majesty Revealed within Life's wonder-bowl ! Golden Lark O grieve not so with sobbing breath! If haply I should pass again The paths of earth, the joys of men — Then thou shalt know there is no death Beyond the border of earth's ken. The peaceful blues enfold each star; Night's measure runneth o'er and well His cup. Earth-days no man can tell. 25 GOLDEN LARK God swings a light across the bar — Peace, peace, dear love — Farewell ! Fare- well ! (Golden Y^k^y. passes from earthy Master Spirit (Still in shadow^ Now panic of the darksome day Yields burning tears upon his cheek. Still on his eyes and brain must seek The secret paths of unknown way, E'en though they lead through shadows bleak. Baal John (Picks up the rose,^ This rose, this fading rose, her gift! It, too, did once impel and thrill The hovVing bird to song and trill. But now it seeks the winds that drift By shaded stream, so cool, so still. But ere it goes I kiss the dust. At birth the queen of ev'ry flower In blush of field or in the bower. 27 GOLDEN LARK Perchance, 'twill fall where caskets rust, And crown once more Love's matchless hour. (Baal John kisses the hand (?/^ Golden Lark.j One kiss for love, one kiss for woe. Upon thy chill, thy snow-white hand: Dear-one, thou didst not understand The bitterness my heart must know 'Mid shadows of this darkened land. I gave my all of Love to thee In loyal troth. But since thou crossed That river wrapt in icy frost, I know the mighty tragedy. Beloved ! My heart's whole world is lost ! Scene fades into a purple light which grad- ually changes into darkness. ig HEART OF THE ROSE Tableau Two Sce?te: A garde?i, A fountain playing in the background, Baal John relentlessly destroys a rose, Baal John sweetest flower ere seen, What is this task that she requires of me? What is the quest that shapes my destiny? How can I wisdom glean? Thou must now aid my cause, So read upon my face thy tragic end, Thou bruised sweet, while none shall thee defend, Nor bid my hand to pause. The whiles we are fast friends 1 look into thy face defyingly, With sudden, wild desire approaching me Of master-sense, that lends — 31 GOLDEN LARK Excuse of strong pretext To ope the golden urn that holds thy heart, And fond possession take thereof a part. Although thy soul I vexed. I stand, with ruthless hands. Before thy loveliness of such rare grace That God Himself gives smile upon thy face, And harks thy soft commands. But know thy heart I must. Producing what will dull the very light. So strangely-strange will be the awful sight Of bleeding leaves in dust. What's in thy heart of flame? Why burns and flays this seething-hot desire? Why all these vampire-clamorings, so dire. Of unappeased shame? Like some tormented dream. Anew with agonies of too full life Concentered on the picture, tears are rife For what may to thee seem — 33 GOLDEN LARK Abhorred ingratitude. At all times Love would stand my counselor, And therefore spare what angels most adore — Thy heart's sweet solitude. Yet from that voice I turn To blight the power of thy disputeless spell, And drag thee from thy Paradise to Hell Though shame must ever burn — Its fire upon my brow. The human soul, in labyrinths of Love, Lets fall kind pity on the wounded dove — It falls not on thee now. But ere I finely mar Each fibred vein, inwrought with match- less art, I'll hold thee close unto my panting heart, Then straightway send afar — Thy soul to whence it came. From out the fragrant tears upon thy cheek, 3S GOLDEN LARK Perchance some tender balm will through me seek To soothe a wildest aim. Master Spirit (Standing in shadow^ How vain the ecstasy That strips the altar-lights of mystic life. The sacramental bowl for sin and strife, Was drunk in agony. AsHTORETH enters and glances from Baal John to the destroyed rose. She speaks tenderly, AsHTORETH What shadow falls, dear love? Hast set all hope upon a sombre grief. Like spirit lost upon a jutted reef. Where sighs the dying dove ? Or grievest thou for song Adrift in province of a starless night? No glory is forgotten of God's light Through all the ages long. 37 GOLDEN LARK Retread thy steps again To lofty heights, where Life is full and free; 'Tis there the gods will greet the god in thee. And still thy heart's keen pain. Baal John My Ashtoreth, my friend ! Half startled at thy coming and thy voice, Chagrined I blush, but shall anon rejoice That senseless grief must end. Yet saddest thought of her. So lately gone upon the fluttered wind. Splits wide the root of this once flow'ring mind. And leaves a fatal blur. Ashtoreth Then speak of her, dear John; Do let me fill a friend's most holy place. True sympathy was born of that white grace When Christ, His mission won. Baal John takes a portrait from his pocket and speaks earnestly, Z9 GOLDEN LARK Baal John Her portrait! Could it speak What words would bless or grieve her silent lips? The bud entwined within her hair e'en slips Its fragrance on her cheek. How radiant her face! It takes me back unto a living dream Of ecstasy. Expectant in the gleam My soul waits pard'ning grace. Grace need I. Angels see. The passion of my heart is lost in shame. Love strong as death no right have I to claim Like priest of deity. ASHTORETH The birdlings of the past Lie dead upon the bosom of Life's urn. All pleasures fled are memories that turn To dust^ and yet — they last. 41 GOLDEN LARK No cry, no grief, no fret Can ere recall the chords of music spent; The echoed tones of melody are sent To lull each deep regret. Then search the verdant sods, For living radiance within thy reach. O scorn the treach'rous sands, I do beseech, Of stealthy, tricking gods! Come, put thy grief away. Forgetting all, but magic of thy youth ! Awake thy soul ! Upturn thine ear to truth. This song-enchanted day ! Baal John For thy dear sake, loved one, I'll walk with thee where sorrow murmurs not. The wines of rushing strength, so long forgot, I'll drink till day is done! Curtain, 43 SPIRIT OF THE SEA Tableau Three Baal John stands on an elevation overlooking the sea. He listens to the music of the waves j then speaks as if entranced, Baal John Is this a dream ? Behold, the sky Now seems to melt in sapphired seas! Atop a cliff that cuts the breeze I stand; and far below me lie The shining gems of royal coronet — The night-fall sun and shadow met. Thick undertints, in heaving folds, Glide through the webs of tangled weeds, And swaying threads of scarlet reeds That blend with crimsons, blues and golds. As I upgaze the starling brood Red-tinge the drifts of billow'd snow. And silently the moon rides low Across the world unveiled of snood. 45 GOLDEN LARK I hear a song, like unbound stream, That fills my heart with tender dream. And with the song a distant bell Upon the air is clearly heard. The passion of my soul is stirred — Some wondrous joy the peals foretell ! (Sings reminiscently^ Were I a bird on broken wing. In dust at thy white feet. With never more the heart to sing When flowers were fair in scented spring Wouldst thou then love me, sweet? Or wouldst thou let the weary pain Grow leaden in the night. And like the misty shapes in rain Flee shuddering across the plain With birds of stronger flight — Were I a bird? [He begins to recognize the truth of invisible life*) 47 GOLDEN LARK Prophetic voices sing to me, They stay the tempest of my cry! Oh, joy! The anthem of the sky Vibrates celestial harmony. As through the gates of pearly light The sea's white soul makes swiftest flight To mine; for we are kindred things To all that is. A new life-breath Takes shape, and scorns what fools call death — In chain of endless blossomings. (He listens in ecstasy to the passing song?\ Chorus of Spirits The furies of the restless deep make mad, Wild holiday upon the bare Green-breasted waves. Beyond compare His mighty heart is thrilled, is glad. For here beneath the sylvan gauze. Not one conflicting wind makes pause As from the glitt'ring worlds above, 49 GOLDEN LARK On pinions fleet, in mystic form, Joy comes with hand so soft, so warm He thinks it is a phantom dove. Master Spirit At last she penetrates his eyes. Unmasked of her once icy snows. The gods, in rapture, scatter glows From bursting suns across the skies. The while her love is centered there God's song is echoed everywhere! ;' She comes to him in mystery. Yet bids him know God's words are true. *■ She sings, she wings the dazzling blue — i Eternal spirit of the sea! Chorus of Spirits Observe what precious thing is life With mortal mate as fair as morn ! Fotget this mystic hour; and scorn Remembrances of human strife! The sea's white soul, 'mid scenes so dear, Soon flies away — far, far from here. 51 GOLDEN LARK Elysium awaiteth thee! Go ! Couch among Love's fairest flowers; The gods will bless thy slumber hours, E'en though their forms ye cannot see. The morn comes riding on the sun — The stars are fading one by one. Upon the winged air we'll shine — With moon caressings of the night, But, swifter than a thought takes flight. We'll come again to thee — and thine. Baal John hears again the call of the bell and turns from the vision of the cliff. Baal John Again I hear that silv'ry bell! Alas, I cannot tarry more. Sweet soul, thou must forever soar With starry spirits — Fare thee well! SZ GOD'S WAYS ARE BEST Tableau Four Time: Morning, Ashtoreth is seated in an arm chair ^ sewing. An open book is lying on the table beside her, Baal John enters with a cheery salutation, Ashtoreth A fairest greeting to thee, friend! Baal John Thou hast my thanks, sweet soul of balm ! What book is here ? The gods thee lend The tender words of blissful calm. Hast patience then, my words to hear? Ashtoreth Say on, and I will give thee heed. Baal John Thy sympathy I hold most dear; So free from guile, so true in need. 55 GOLDEN LARK ASHTORETH Speak, speak. Why dwellest thou on words ? If ever I've been help to thee — Baal John Thy voice is like the song of birds — AsHTORETH Hush, hush thy foolish ecstasy. I push the curtain back — there flies A swallow. Canst describe his wing, His furtive eye, his tiny sighs ? Ah, tell me now, this simple thing! And tell me why away so long? What wicked witch held thee in awe? Nay, keep thy secret, if 'tis wrong That I it share. No slightest flaw Shall blind my faith in thee. Thy need? I thirst to aid its every cause; And if I fail why — then, indeed, I shall with shame before thee pause. Yet thou art cruel to a friend. 57 GOLDEN LARK My love doth strain its willing sense In honest truce to thee defend; Till vexed at mine own innocence — I chide the fault that holds in thrall My peace. No more the sorry thought, 'Twas much; but now I hear thy call — I loving give all thou hast sought. Baal John Alas, dear one! Thou art too sweet To tease thy life with such as L Away from thee my wandering feet Sped on. Pursued by awful cry I writhed upon the ocean's edge, And begged some power to pity me. A phantom leaned against a ledge; His burning eyes peered leeringly Into my anguish-pallid face. "Hence! spirit of cloud, hence!" I cried: "The imps of hell thy shadows trace." The demon laughed. I was defied. Struck to the heart by spectral fright, 59 GOLDEN LARK My voice outburst in pleading cry For dreamless sleep. The moon hung white — We were so tired — my heart and L ASHTORETH The chilling trend of thy strange lot, Lies thickly strewn with human fears. Life's sweetest purpose seems forgot. And comfortless thy precious years, Baal John God help me now ! Why do I thrill With thoughts of her? And by what path Shall come to me the fullest will Of Golden Lark — Love's aftermath? AsHTORETH Thou'lt never win the treasure-heights. Thus list'ning echoes of the past. And be thou sure thy witless flights Shall wreck at last upon the blast. 6i GOLDEN LARK Baal John Here all is beautiful! Yet thou Canst not release me from my pain With gentle words. I shall, I vow — Nay, do not fear my wild complain — Life's secret find. Where? None can tell. Then fleet as fawn, I shall explore The wonders of each hidden cell. Though base or fair the covet-store. ASHTORETH Whilst giving chase to thy vain dream, I'll let thee ponder here alone. I love the boughs, the stirring stream; I'm weary of thy senseless moan. Exii AsHTORETH. Baal John She's gone to tread the sweet wood-grass In thickets hid. She cannot hear My sad despairing cry. Alas, Too fearful in this hour so drear. (>3 GOLDEN LARK Life's countless pains like thistles grow, And thrive as do all things of strife; Yet I must grope until I know The purpose of this little life. Like palest star the light begins — The current of a sun grown dim; It searches through the mocking dins Of mortal faiths, too fair, too grim. AsHTORETH {RetuTtis With her arms full of roses^ Thy speech is strange. I know it not! What matter? Here are joys for thee. These lusty loves care not a jot How mortals live or die. Oh, see — These buds of Spring had birth this morn. Alas! What tyrant plagues thee so? Hark to the voice of the elfin horn — 'Tis calling us — intent and low. Baal John Sweet Ashtoreth, no more Til pine — Lead thou me on, then will I go. 65 GOLDEN LARK ASHTORETH The gods will teach thee speech — not mine — Aye, by the rose — bliss shalt thou know! ^s Baal John and Ashtoreth pass out hand in hand^ a dazzling light follows them. Attendant Spirits Joy opens wide the gates of Spring; The breath of Love now fills each breast. There is no death within Life's ring — Know, mortals, all — God's ways are best! The scene faaes in silvery mist. 67 SPIRITS OF PROPHECY Tableau Five From an eminence the spirits are seen. In the foreground the Master Spirit is reclining^ half absorbed in the beauty of a rippling stream flowing at his feet, Baal John standing in the background^ hears in amazement their words of prophecy. Master Spirit The hour is come ! 'Tis meet to tell These mortals all their sacred right. Too oft they've wept in dark of night, Unconscious of the holy spell That glorifies the bridal light. Then let us warn the imps of dread To take them back to Shades of Hate. Our charmed word does now relate How Joy, on feet of noiseless tread. Strides close unto triumphant Fate. (^9 GOLDEN LARK A glory child awaits Love's call To fly to earth like bird in May. This Golden Lark of yesterday Now bids the angels break her thrall. And speed her back the wondrous way. Attendant Spirits O ! Master Spirit, hintest thou A witching hour of birth is nigh? When shall we hear the birdling cry, That sealing kiss of marriage vow On gentle breast — Love's lullaby. Master Spirit ( Gives promise ofreincarnation,\ To this fair world, she deemed as lost. Sweet Golden Lark will come again. She longs to dwell with mortal ken, For scented June, for winter's frost. And all the quick'ning thoughts of men. Master Spirit and Attendants To earthly life she will return A little child again to be. 71 GOLDEN LARK So let us sing our symphony, The jfitting vows that thrill and burn Upon the brow of Destiny. The spirits slowly disappear, Baal John {Responding to vanishing spirits^ Beloved Master! Spirits dear! I am become a tranced thing! My tears are joyful as they spring, For through the vistas, strangely clear, Fair Golden Lark is beckoning Enter Ashtoreth. She places her hand on John's shoulder and speaks to him appealingly, Ashtoreth O, ease thy troubled breast, These sobs, this vain unrest. And dry thy tears. Obey Life's righteous laws, Then thou shalt have no cause For tyrant fears. 73 GOLDEN LARK Like winds the years will pass, And hearts will change, alas, Alas, too soon! Come, let us love today. It cannot last alway — Life's precious boon. List, how the sweet birds sing. Then flit on hurried wing Far from the snow. O, let us crown Love's hour With every fragrant flower. Before we go. The flaming stars of night, On lustrous wings of light. With morn are fled. Then, haste thy tardy feet Through cooling grasses, sweet. Ere love is dead ! 75 GOLDEN LARK Baal John Thy words my fever chills. Forgive, dear heart, the ills Grief magnifies. Thy voice bespeaks new joys Far from the lap of noise — Come, come, time flies! Baal John and Ashtoreth (^Sing together.^ A bird of strange delight, With plumage wondrous bright. Before us wings. For Love she waited long. Her one wild-valiant song — She sings — she sings! As the scene fades y soft strains from the harp are heard. 11 CHILDREN OF THE STARS Tableau Six Scene: The heavenly spheres. Golden Lark, having fulfilled her life in the spiritual heavens longs to return to earth. Her first complaint is heard when she calls to the night-bird. Golden Lark O come to me, sweet bird of night, And sing the song thou lovest best. Come, come on pinions snowy white — And fill my heart with blissful rest! O sing of far-ofF winsome things, Of happy mortals far away. And sing of blossom-scented springs, Till dawn drops on the cheek of day. O let thy golden-luted strain The door of memory unbar. Mayhap one note of thy refrain Will waft to earth — from my lone star. 79 GOLDEN LARK sing, till slumber lies on seas Of half-forgotten worlds of light. Sing, sing caressing melodies — Sweet bird of night — sweet bird of night I Elfin Sylph What restless thought betrays thy dream? What voiceless cry within thy heart? Oj canst thou not forget the gleam Of tearful earth — the mortal part? Golden Lark Draw near, and I will answer thee: In this calm life I long for winds That sweep the snowflaked mountains, free — And all the force that storm unbinds. 1 long to take my fretful soul To lands of yesterday. I long to go where waters roll On sands of coldest gray. 8i GOLDEN LARK I long to feel their seething foam, In bitter rifts and sweet, Yield unto me the sea-weed loam, Green-dripping at my feet. I long to hear the wild sea bird, Responsive to his mate, Scream fiercely through the dins that stirred The whirlwinds of his fate. Elfin Sylph O, wouldst thou see the flapping thing In terror pass thee by? Then, floating back on level wing, To come with searching eye — And hang with calm, unaltered mien. Like phantom steely-white. Above thee there, with naught between But shades of coming night? 83 GOLDEN LARK Golden Lark Ah, yes, Td see him wing once more From beating — -tossing sea; Then, spent like me, on lone bleak shore, Learn God's great harmony. Elfin Sylph Whence came the power of mortal clods To teach thee such a sad complain? Thy jeweled scepter from the gods Is dimmed with tears, as with a stain. Golden Lark Do not contest me overmuch. But rather counsel wise content; For Love withdraws his gentlest touch. When eyes grow blind to purpose meant. Elfin Sylph Why canst thou not be reconciled In this rare garden of God's bloom ? Wouldst live again a bird or child In Error's land of doubts and gloom? 85 GOLDEN LARK Golden Lark I heard a flute sing in the night, An old-time sweetest tune. Then soft as clouds that drift from sight, When evening curtains out the light. It passed like scented June. Yet think that I can e're forget The music of that strain ? From out my dreams, dim eyes are wet For very joy our souls had met. Though love was born in vain. Elfin Sylph Ah, so? Then falter hot thy word. Take from thy heart the sigh, And sing thy wish like happy bird In forest deep, where naught is heard Of Melancholy's cry. Golden Lark I wish I were a babe, my sweet, That I might dream upon Love's heart. 87 GOLDEN LARK And in my slumber there complete My dreaming — Love's immortal part. Elfin Sylph Some day the dream of all thy dreams. Sweet as the sun's loose blossomings — Will wake to life on rainbow gleams, And fill new spheres with rapturings. Golden Lark and Elfin Sylph [Sing together^ Look, look ! How fair morn grows apace! I hear a distant bridal bell — The trillioned suns all glooms efface — Farewell, God's sweet! A glad farewell ! Golden Lark in the form of a babe^ floats away on clouds back to earth. 89 REALIZATION Tableau Seven Scene First, A brilliant church scene. The marriage of Ashtoreth and Baal John has just been solemnized. As they leave the church deep organ t07ies are heard. Through the cathedral gates the Spirits of Prophecy appear. When the music becomes a whispered cadence the spirits sing their prophecy. Chorus of Spirits The air is filled with subtle sweet — Like fragrant breath from Alpine snows. The lyric muse attunes complete Love's melody. True souls now meet Beneath the crown of bridal rose. To Jove's high throne we speed our way. We'll rest upon his mighty wing, Until that blithe — that treasure-day, 91 GOLDEN LARK And then we'll come from out the gray — When all is still, and sing, and sing! (Spirits rise higher and higher from circle to circle^ Scene Second, The homecoming ^Ashtoreth and Baal John. The mystery of night is about them. The bridal chamber is beautiful in a shimmer of yellow light, Baal John draws Ashtoreth to his heart and pledges the devotion of his soul, Baal John At last thou art my lovely bride! Thy brow is fair with bridal flowers. Thy starry eyes seem glorified. Whilst here I stand by thy dear side In this earth-paradise of ours. Ashtoreth and Baal John (Sing together^ Dear soul of mine. Love's vow is true, Pledged 'neath the altar's holy glow. 9Z GOLDEN LARK The heritage of bliss in view With thee, new joys, new hopes imbue — And magnify the truths we know. Curtain, Scene 'Third, The House of Love. Ash- TORETH is standing by an open window listen- ing to the drowsy hum of the insect world, Baal John enters, Ashtoreth turns to greet him and beckons him to come to the window. Pointing to the blossoming garden^ Ashtoreth directs his attention to the beauty of the scene and then tells him of her vision of the new habitant of the House of Love, Ashtoreth O dream of light ! I heard a cry — A baby lisp, like cooing dove. Sweet Golden Lark slipt through the sky With outstretched hand to hush my sigh — To live again our child of love. 95 GOLDEN LARK Baal John In truth, dear wife, the sacred brim Of our communion cup runs o'er. On thy fair bosom sorrows dim — Forgotten in thy thoughts of Him. God smiles upon thee more and more. ASHTORETH Soft words, my love, commend repose; They lift my heart to heights more blest. But lend thine ear to my request, And dream no more, like this white rose That tranquil lies upon my breast. Forget the stars, the moon, the sun. And view my vision of the night: — The powers supreme, when day was done. Came singing earthward; every one Spread wide a path of mystic light. (Vision proves to Ashtoreth that her child is the reincarnated Golden Lark.) 97 GOLDEN LARK And as I looked the vision grew. Illumed against a wondrous sky; It seemed the hallow'd presence drew A babe from out the purest blue — To still my mother-heart its cry. There was a noise of wings 'mid bloom, Like fairies brushed against the trees ; They burst the regal-rainbow loom Of varied colours — then made room For warbling bird upon the breeze. And to our bridal chamber came The heav'nly throng as to a feast. They shut the door. They called my name A sacred incense seemed to flame As dawn upon the jasper east. Baal John Comes after pain a lulling calm, Comes after night the fairest morn. Out of God's melody the psalm Proclaims new joys of richest balm. When unto thee Love's child is born ! 99 GOLDEN LARK There is no time, beloved wife. God is eternal, light or dark! The majesty of song is rife — There is no death! All life is life — She'll live again — Our Golden Lark. Baal John and Ashtoreth A glory lingers on the earth Christ's face is shining through the dark. His Love will broaden mortal girth In that white hour of her dear birth — Reincarnated Golden Lark! Scene Fourth, The sacred portals. With great solemnity Ashtoreth hands the child. Golden Lark, to Baal John. They kneel before a shrine in prayer. Once more the Spirits appear and chant a benediction. Chorus of Spirits Before a shrine in fervent prayer, Like saints they kneel this holy night. O blessed Love! They know thee fair. lOI GOLDEN LARK Fair, young and strong, absolved of care — Lead thou them on through paths of light. Toward Paradise direct them now, Forever more with saints to dwell. O God Eternal, seal Love's vow. Before thy majesty we bow — We shall return no more. Farewell ! ! Curtain, T03 NOV 22 1911 One copy del. to Cat. Div. NOV 72 ^«t i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS lllllllilllllillllliill 018 392 190 3