VICTORY 
101 
With glorious feet stained through with rings, 
Kissed blood that leapt to feel the tongue 
Slip eager through the teeth, while clings 
The lissome body, borne on wings 
 
Of pain unspeakable, unsung, 
To that tormentor, red and cruel, 
Those teeth that bit for joy, and clung 
Murderously amorous, while the young 
 
Tender flesh burned, a quivering fuel 
For strange desire, for strange desire, 
Passion and penitence, and dule, 
Love glowing some unholy jewel 
 
Glittering frightful mid the mire. 
Oh !  Love, what utter sweetness yet ! 
What agony of curst hell-fire, 
Shame, lust, and infamy, and ire, 
 
Wrath in the highest heavens set, 
Shame in the soul, and leaping lust 
On pleasure’s flaming parapet, 
An Infamy that I forget.