Angels and Women (1924)

44 ANGELS AND WOMEN
THE FORSAKEN EDEN
At early dawn we were astir with preparation
for the solemn rite. Upon the rock was
built an altar; the offerings were placed
thereon. As I climbed the pathway to cover
the sacrifice with lilies gathered at the water’s
edge, the scene beyond filled me with
astonishment.
A vast expanse lay stretched before us,
bounded by mountains, rosy and purple in
the morning light. Born in these far-off
heights, fed by springs and rills, four great
rivers, widening as they advanced, rolled
through a broad extended plain. Here were
calm lakes and valleys, and the verdure of
meadow and grove. But no flocks reposed
upon the grassy banks, nor cattle browsed
the rank savannas, nor lion lifted his voice
in the dark glen. No harvester reaped the
nodding corn, or loaded with purple grapes
the creaking wain. The crimson apples lay
in heaps, the nuts dropped noiselessly on the