Alice: An Adultery

THE THIRTY-SECOND DAY “ Me of my lawful pleasure she restrained And prayed me oft forbearance.” Cymbeline. How sweet the soft looks shot, endearing shame With their warm fragrance of love’s modest eyes ! The secret knowledge of our secrecies Shone from their distance with a subtle flame, And gave to pudency a rosier name When the long lashes drooped, and saintlier sighs Took softer meanings, till my arteries Throbbed with the glad desire that went and came. “ I charge you in the very name of love.” Quoth she : “ We have all day to steal below And snatch short kisses out of danger’s throat. Why beg you night : is not the day enough ?” But I : “ The night is panting and aglow to feel our hair distraught and limbs afloat.” 72