THE BLOOD-LOTUS 
89 
Sheds a loose hint of subtle sin such as the queen 
Faustina had. 
 
Thou drawest me.  Thy golden lips are carven Cleo-
patra-wise 
Large, full, and moist, within them lies the silver 
rampart, whence there slips 
 
That rosy flame of love, the fount of blood at my light 
bidding spilt ; 
And my desires, if aught thou wilt, are with thy mind, 
and thy account 
 
With God shall bear my name the more ;  give me the 
knowledge, me the power 
For some new sin one little hour, and bankrupt God 
the creditor : 
 
Steal from his stock of suffering ;  his tender mercies 
rob at will ; 
Destroy his graciousness, until he must avenge the 
name of king. 
Strange fascinations whirl and wind about my spirit 
lying coils ;