VI
Yet we may hope; for this, and not from fear,
We kept our counsel ; we may hope anon
To turn the corner of the evil year
And find a brave new springtide coming on.
Meanwhile by stealth I may invoke your shade
And clasp you to me, though it be a dream
Or little more, a vision from the Maid~
That rules by Phlegethon's sepulchral streain.
Nay ! it is more: by magic art compel
(My soul!) my maiden’s body to appear
Visible, tangible, enjoyable
Even to the senses of the amorous seer,
Whose demon ministers through the gulphs and glooms
Convey his mistress 6n their meteor plumes.
VIL?
More, I will visit you, forlorn who lie
Crying for lack of me; your very flesh
Shall tingle with the touch of me as I
Wrap you about with the ensorcelled mesh
Of my fine body of fire: oh! you shall feel
My kisses on your mouth like living coals,
And piercing like an arrow of barbéd stecl
The arcane caress that shall unite our souls.
Till, when I see you next, I shall have doubt
Whether your pallor be from love distressed
Or from the exhaustion of the age-long bout
Of love you had of me upon your breast
Held hard all night, with mouths that never ceased
To engorge love's single sacramental] feast.