Because I sought it far from men, br In deserts and alone, br I found it burning overhead, br The jewel of a Throne. br br Because I sought--I sought it so br And spent my days to find-- br It blazed one moment ere it left br The blacker night behind. br br We be the Gods of the East-- br Older than all-- br Masters of Mourning and Feast-- br How shall we fall? br br * * * * * br br This I saw when the rites were done, br And the lamps were dead and the Gods alone, br And the grey snake coiled on the altar stone-- br Ere I fled from a Fear that I could not see, br And the Gods of the East made mouths at me.