White Stains

124 ‘ ‘ ² Åü¿Â ‘ ‘ ² Åü¿Â This is th’ abyss ! Implacable disease Springs from the black defilement of that kiss, That foul embrace that moulds these agonies. This is th’ abyss ! A serpent was my whore ; her hellish hiss, Her slaver venoms soul and strength ; life flees Repugnant from the corpse-caress. Ah, this Rots blood and body ; see, the liquor’s lees I drained, whose pangs are fierce with Syphilis. Christ God, damn soul, but quench the pain of these ! This is th’ abyss ! * * * This is th’ abyss. Behold wherein I lurk The lazar-house my mind, wherein do work The horrid charnel-priests, whose loathly song Sickens my soul, and quells the spirit strong. Hell-fire within my heart ! and poisoned blood Through every vein and artery pours a flood