1898 · CLOSE READING
White Stains
White Stains (1898), PDF p. 98
Original page
Enlarge ↗
Highlights use the original PDF text layer. OCR-only matches may not be visible on the scan.
Transcription
Download text ↓raw extractionoriginal embedded textReview: unreviewed
92
THE BLOOD-LOTUS
Their song is in my ears, that burn with their melodious
wickedness ;
But in her heart my sorceress has songs more sinful,
that I learn
As she sings slowly all their shame, and makes me
tingle with delight
At new debaucheries, whose might rekindles blood and
bone to flame.
The circle gathers. Negresses howl in the naked
dance, and wheel
On poniard-blades of poisoned steel, and weep out
blood in agonies ;
Strange beast and reptile writhe ; the song grows high
and melancholy now ;
The perfume savours every brow with lust unutterable
of wrong ;
Clothed with my flower-bride I sit, a harlot in a
harlot’s dress,
And laugh with careless wickedness that strews the
broad road of the Pit
Page provenance & review flags
Stable page ID: 440d66b04bd3ffa079b9bd2a:p00098
Line breaks are preserved. Reading order and OCR accuracy may need review.
Printed page label has not been verified.
- No automated review flags. This does not establish transcription accuracy.