Rosa Inferni

V F you were with me, I were blind to this : Ready to drain my arteries for your kiss, Feel your grasp tighten round my ribs until You crush me in the ecstasies that kill. Being away and breathing icy air I am half lover, caring not to care ; Half-man again—a mere terrestrial ball Thus breaking up a spiritual thrall— Eh, my philosophers ?—half-man may yet determine To get back manhood, shake the tree from bats : To change the trope a shade—get rid of vermin By using William Shakespeare’s “ Rough on Rats.” VI H, love, dear love, sole queen of my affection, Guess you not yet what wheel of thought is spun ? How out of dawn’s tumultuous dejection And not from noon springs up the splendid sun ? Not till the house is swept and garnished well Rises seven other devils out of hell. 5 I A