Orpheus

I know he wills me to remain Woman.” ‘“ How frivolous and vain, O Zeus,” I cried, “ art thou to rise Out of Olympus’ ecstasies! Omnipotent! but to control The first breath of a human soul !—” The thunder rolled through heaven again, Void was the spring-delighted plain Of that gigantic phantasy. I turned to my Eurydice Even as she turned. The faint breath glows,— The lightning of a living rose. The bright eyes gleam—night’s spotless stars Glimmering through folded nenuphars. The red mouth moves, still to the word: “Yes, love!” and “yes, love!” Then I heard No sound and saw no sight—the world Folded its mighty wings, and curled Its passion round us; bade forget The joy with which our eyes were wet. All faded, folded in the bliss ; Unfolded the first fadeless kiss. Then my soul woke, not sundering lips, But winged against the black eclipse Of sense: my soul on wings did poise Her glory in the vast turquoise Of the whole sky: expanded far Beyond the farthest sun or star, Beyond all space, all time. I saw 148