Afterwards

by Clark Ashton Smith

　　

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There is a silence in the world Since we have said farewell; And beauty with an alien speech An alien tale would tell. There is a silence in the world, Which is not peace nor quiet: Ever I seek to flee therefrom, And walk the ways of riot. But when I hear the music moan In rooms of thronging laughter, A tongueless demon drives me forth, And silence follows after.

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