Rosa Inferni

VII HIS is the circle ; as the manhood rises And laughter and rude rhyme engage my pen ; As I stalk forth, a Man among mere men, The balance changes ; all my wit surprises That I who saw the goblins in your face, That I who cursed you for the murderous whore Licking up life as a cat laps its milk, Now see you for a dream of youth and grace, Relume the magic aura that begirt you, Bless you for purity and life—a store ! An ever-running fountain-head of virtue To heal my soul and buckler it and harden ! Your body is like ivory and silk ! Your lips are like the poppies in the garden ! Your face is like a wreath of flowers to crown me ! Your eyes are wells wherein I long to drown me ! Your hair is like a waterfall above me, A waterfall of sunset ! In your bosom I hear the racing of a heart to love me. Your blood is beating like a wind-blown blossom With rapture that you mingle it in mine ! Your breath is fresh as foam and keen as wine ! Intoxicating glories are your glances ! Your bodily beauty grips my soul and dances 6 T