Never a word of cold reproof,
No sharp reproach, no glances that accuse
The culprit whom they hold aloof,--
Ah, 'tis not thus that other women use
The empire they have won!
For there is none like you, beloved,--none
Secure enough to do what you have done.
Where did you learn this heavenly art,--
You sweetest and most wise of all that live,--
With silent welcome to impart
Assurance of the royal heart
That never questions where it would forgive?
None but a queen could pardon me like this!
My sovereign lady, let me lay
Within each rosy palm a loyal kiss
Of penitence, then close the fingers up,
Thus--thus! Now give the cup
Of full nepenthe in your crimson mouth,
And come--the garden blooms with bliss,
The wind is in the south,
The rose of love with dew is wet--
Dear, it was like you to forget!
DAY AND NIGHT
_How long is the night, brother,
And how long is the day?_
Oh, the day's too short for a happy task,
And the day's too short for play;
And the night's too short for the bliss of love,
For look, how the edge of the sky grows gray,
While the stars die out in the blue above,
And the wan moon fades away.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125