White Stains

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 ;