White Stains

BALLADE DE LA JOLIE MARION 47 When weary, steal those luscious sips ; Another’s hands play in my hair And find delight for me to bare The bosom, and the passionate mound White and, for Venus’ temple, round, A garden of wild thyme whose eye My sword shall piece, and never wound : For we must part, and love must die. You say—but Oh ! my Marion’s kiss Shall linger on my palate still, No joy on earth is like to this That we have tasted to our fill Of all our sweet lascivious will. The cup is drained of lust’s delight, Yet wells with pleasure, and by night I’ll come once more and loving lie Between thine amorous limbs, despite That we must part and love must die. ENVOI Thus, sweet, I’ll sing when day doth break And weary lovers must awake