XII. The Master.

HE fumbles at your spirit
        As players at the keys
Before they drop full music on;
        He stuns you by degrees,

Prepares your brittle substance
        For the ethereal blow,
By fainter hammers, further heard,
        Then nearer, then so slow

Your breath has time to straighten,
        Your brain to bubble cool, --
Deals one imperial thunderbolt
        That scalps your naked soul.