Black Beetles in Amber - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 139

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF THEFT

In fair Yosemite, that den of thieves Wherein the minions of the moon divideThe travelers' purses, lo! the Devil grieves, His larger share as leader still denied.El Capitan, foreseeing that his reign May be disputed too, beclouds his head.The joyous Bridal Veil is torn in twain And the crêpe steamer dangles there instead.The Vernal Fall abates her pleasant speed And hesitates to take the final plunge,For rumors reach her that another greed Awaits her in the Valley of the Sponge.The Brothers envy the accord of mind And peace of purpose (by the good deploredAs honor among Commissioners) which bind That confraternity of crime, the Board.The Half-Dome bows its riven face to weep, But not, as formerly, because bereft:Prophetic dreams afflict him when asleep Of losing his remaining half by theft.Ambitious knaves! has not the upper sod Enough of room for every crime that crawlsBut you must loot the Palaces of God And daub your filthy names upon the walls?