Page:Hero and Leander - Marlowe and Chapman (1821).pdf/51

Turning his sidelong eyes, with luring wile,
By silent hints the damsel to beguile.
She, when his art she mark'd, in conscious grace
Smil'd to herself, and oft she veil'd her face;
Yet, stealthily, with secret beck, the maid
Twinkling her eyelids, every sign repaid:
With rapture flush'd, the gazing youth believed
His signal answer'd, and his suit received;
And long'd for hidden hours. In western bay
Now glimmering sank the light-contracted day:
Full opposite on evening's shadowy verge,
Bright Hesper's star appear'd above the surge.
When, as he saw the blackness-gathering shade,
Embolden'd, touch'd he close the lonely maid:
Her rose-tipp'd fingers in soft silence press'd,
And drew a sigh long-breathing from his breast.
She silently, while veil'd in gloom they stand,
Draws as in anger back her roseate hand;
But when Leander felt the maid he loved
With sudden starts and wavering gestures moved,
He boldly twitch'd her robe of various hue,
And towards the sanctuary compulsive drew.
With tardy feet, as loth, the virgin went,
And female words were ready to resent:
"What madness moves thee, stranger? wretch! forbear
To drag a virgin, nor my vesture tear:
Begone, and dread my wealthy parents' ire;
For Venus' priestess ill beseems desire;
And hard the passage to a virgin's bed:"
So threaten'd she; what virgins say she said.