68 
AD LUCIUM 
 
 
 
 
AD LUCIUM 
 
The Lampsacene is girt with golden dress ; 
His courts gleam ever with forbidden light ; 
I only bring no gift to him to-night, 
Being the mockery of his rod’s distress. 
While satyrs woo, and fauns, and nymphs give ear, 
I burn unslaked, my Lucius is unkind, 
He dare not guess, I dare not speak my mind, 
Nor feed upon his lips, nor call him dear, 
Nor may I clasp him, lissome and divine, 
Nor suck our passion from his eager verge, 
Nor pleasure in his quick embraces prove ; 
I faint for love, come aid me sparkling wine, 
That my unquenchable desire may urge 
In Lucius’ fiery heart responsive love. 
 
O fervent and sweet to my bosom  
Past woman, I’ll clasp thee and cling  
Till the buds of desire break to blossom  
And my kisses surprise thee and sting ;