Through love? No; the woman! that visible woman Men usually know.--None knows how we know Of an innermore beauty! that part of the human We designate character.--Look at the bow Of the moon that is new; that bears in its crescent A world.--So the flesh gleams the slenderest line Of soul; that is love; the unevanescent, Making the mortal immortal, divine.
Yes; I know what I am. Have outlasted my season Of pleasure and folly.--You think it is strange That I let you, say--love me? But why not?--my reason Requires illusions. They give me that change Which quiets remembrance. You kiss me--I wonder.-- When you say, "You are beautiful,"--well, am I glad If I laugh?--You declaim on my form, "How no blunder Of nature discords,"--If I sigh, am I sad?
How you stare at my eyes!--Well! my lips!--must they languish For kisses to redden?--"My eyes are as bright As the jewel I drown in my hair, with its anguish Of tortuous fire that quivers to-night"? Tears may be.--This showy?--That silly white flower Were better?--For me its simplicity? no!-- The gem I prefer to the lily.--The hour Has struck: I am ready: my fan: let us go.
Sullen gold down all the sky; Roses and their sultry musk; Whippoorwills deep in the dusk Yonder sob and sigh.--
You are here; and I could weep, Weep for joy and suffering.... "Where is he"?--He'd have me sing-- There he sits, asleep.
Think not of him! he is dead For the moment to us twain-- Hold me in your arms again, Rest on mine your head.
"Am I happy?" ask the fire When it bursts its bounds and thrills Some mad hours as it wills If those hours tire.
He had gold. As for the rest-- Well you know how _they_ were set, Saying that I must forget And 'twas for the best.
_I_ forget?--But let it go!-- Kiss me as you used of old. There; your kisses are not cold! Can you love me so?
Knowing what I am to him, To that gouty gray one there, On the wide verandah, where Fitful fireflies swim.
Is it tears? or what? that wets Eyes and cheeks;--on brow and lip Kisses! soft as bees that sip Sweets from violets.
See! the moon has risen; white As this open lily here, Rocking on the dusky mere, Like a silent light.
Let us walk... So soon to part!-- All too soon! But he may miss. Give me but another kiss-- It will heat my heart