VI
Yet we may hope; for this, and not from fear,
We kept our counsel; we may hope anon
To turn the corner of the evil year
And find a brave new springtide coming on.
Meanwhile by stealth I may invoke your shade
And clasp you to me, though it be a dream
Or little more, a vision from the Maid
That rules by Phlegethon's sepulchral stream.
Nay! it is more: by magic art compel
(My soul!) my maiden's body to appear
Visible, tangible, enjoyable
Even to the senses of the amorous seer,
Whose demon ministers through the gulphs and glooms
Convey his mistress on their meteor plumes.
We kept our counsel; we may hope anon
To turn the corner of the evil year
And find a brave new springtide coming on.
Meanwhile by stealth I may invoke your shade
And clasp you to me, though it be a dream
Or little more, a vision from the Maid
That rules by Phlegethon's sepulchral stream.
Nay! it is more: by magic art compel
(My soul!) my maiden's body to appear
Visible, tangible, enjoyable
Even to the senses of the amorous seer,
Whose demon ministers through the gulphs and glooms
Convey his mistress on their meteor plumes.
— 40 —
