108
POEMS.
Leave my desire, too bold, to see thy sweet,
Unveiled face; to know what words they use
Who serve around thy throne."
Lo! as I lay,
In such surrender, on that summer day,
And sought not, stirred not, came the radiant queen,
Sweeping me with her robe of leafy green,
And kissed me everywhere that kiss could go;
While all her royal train I longed to know,
The swallow leading, crowded up to teach
Me all the secrets of their song and speech.
Unveiled face; to know what words they use
Who serve around thy throne."
Lo! as I lay,
In such surrender, on that summer day,
And sought not, stirred not, came the radiant queen,
Sweeping me with her robe of leafy green,
And kissed me everywhere that kiss could go;
While all her royal train I longed to know,
The swallow leading, crowded up to teach
Me all the secrets of their song and speech.
ARIADNE'S FAREWELL.
HE daughter of a king, how should I knowThat there were tinsels wearing face of gold,
And worthless glass, which in the sunlight's hold
Could shameless answer back my diamond's glow
With cheat of kindred fire? The currents slow,
And deep, and strong, and stainless, which had rolled
Through royal veins for ages, what had told
To them, that hasty heat and lie could show
As quick and warm a red as theirs?
Go free!
The sun is breaking on the sea's blue shield
Its golden lances; by their gleam I see
Thy ship's white sails. Go free, if scorn can yield
Thee freedom!
Then, alone, my love and I,—
We both are royal; we know how to die.
