John Barlas

John Evelyn Barlas (1860–1914), pseudonym Evelyn Douglas, was an English poet and political activist of the late 19th century. He was a member of the decadent movement in literature, as well as a revolutionary socialist in politics.

Love Sonnets (1889)

 * Loved once for ever loved: how surely sounds This gospel to me since I learned to list Truth from thy lips, mine own evangelist. What thought presumes to set now any bounds To Love whose being informs us and surrounds?
 * XXIII."Loved once for ever loved: how surely sounds"


 * As I go musing through this mournful land Soothed by the pine-tree's solemn harmony, Thy well-loved image comes and walks by me. I seem to hold thee by the gentle hand And talk of things I dimly understand, That thy dear spirit set to mine may be As to an intricate lock the simple key.
 * XXXII. "As I go musing through this mournful land"


 * I saw thee in a vision of the night Transfigured; for it seemed that on thy brows The heavens did rest with all their stars, like boughs Laden with blossoms; round thy feet the bright Green waves, like grass, ran rippling, strewn with white Star-fragments of rent petals: wasted vows, And ruined prayers I thought them, such as house In hearts that love and are not loved aright.
 * XLVI. "I saw thee in a vision of the night"