The Blazing Heart

    who are ye, spirits, that stand       In the outer gloom, Each with a blazing heart in hand, Which lighteth the dark beyond the tomb?     “Oh, we be souls that loved       Too well, too well! Yet, for that love, though sore reproved, (Oh, sore reproved!) have we ’scaped hell.     “’Scaped hell, but gained not heaven.       Woe, woe and alas! Only—to us this grace is given, To light the dark where the dead must pass.     “Behind us the shadows throng,       And the mists are gray; But our blazing hearts light the soul along From grave to yon gate that hides the day.”     Who may this lady be       At my right hand? “This is the heart which for Anthony Changed from soft flesh to a burning brand.”     “This for Æneas glowed,       Is glowing still.” “This kindled for Phaon; the flame it showed No waters of ocean could quench or kill.”     This shape, with the flowing hair?       “She loved so much That even the Sinless heard her prayer, Pitied her pangs, and suffered her touch.”     Bid the sounds of crackling cease!       “They blaze, they burn!” Let me flee back to my coffined peace! “Pass on (they beckon); there ’s no return.”     Spirits, why press ye close?       I am faint with fear! “Already thy heart like an ember glows; Pluck it forth from thy bosom, thy place is here.”     Happy Francesca! thine       Is the fairer lot. Better with him in hell to pine Than stand in cool shadows by him forgot!