White Stains

116 “ EREBUS “ “ EREBUS ” Something of monstrous in our love, our bed, Soothes me with strong desire, Strong but availing nothing—black and red Thy body gleams, as fire Thy great eyes burn, thy lips respire It seems unnatural breath within their tomb. Ah ! the red portals of thy dusky womb, Wherein my loves expire, ’ Twixt thy black breasts to rise, kissed hard by thee Till joy flows full once more, salt river to sweet sea. Fairer than roses are thy swarthy cheeks, Thine hair more sharp than gold ; Purple is warmer than mere red, when seeks My love thy lips to hold. Ah Queen ! that other’s breasts are cold Being of wafted snowflakes beside thine ; Her breasts give milk as thine the fiercest wine ; Her ivory thighs enfold Limbs not so amorous as these that lie By the dark limbs, and lust for their imperial dye.