The Penalty

Once in life I watched a Star;
   But I whistled, "Let her go!
There are others, fairer far,
  Which my favouring skies shall show."
Here I lied, and herein I
Stood to pay the penalty.

Marvellous the Planets shone   
  As I ranged from coast to coast--
But beyond comparison
   Rode the Star that I had lost.
I had lied, and only I
Did not guess the penalty!  ...

When  my  Heavens  were  turned  to  blood,
  When the dark had filled my day,
Furthest, but most faithful, stood
  That lone Star I cast away.
I had loved myself, and I
Have not lived and dare not die!