Just as I came br Into the empty, westward--facing room, br A sudden gust blew wide br The tall window; at once br A shock of sudden light, vibrating like a flame, br Entered, as if it were the wind's bright spirit br Stealing to me upon some secret quest. br The wonder of the West br Burst open: under dark and rushing cloud br That rained illumined drops, it glorified br Each corner where so dazzlingly it struck: br The shadows cowered, the brilliance overflowed. br As suddenly, all faded. br Wet, wild air blew in br At the idly--swinging door br Stormily crumpled fallen shreds of leaves, br Dried scarlet and burnt yellow and ashy brown: br They fluttered in like fears and blew across the floor br And I, to the heart invaded, br Felt as that wild light palpitated through me br And died in a moment down, br Exalted by a visionary fear br That from the light more than the shadow fell; br A divination of splendid spirits near, br Of glorious parting and of great farewell.