Tale of Archais

26 THE TALE OF ARCHAIS Grew like a misty pillar in the sky, In all her veins the blood’s desires die, And then—O sudden ardour !—all her mind And memory faded, and looked outward, blind, Beyond their bitterness. Her arms she flung Around him, and with amorous lips and tongue Tortured his palate with extreme desire, And like a Mænad maddened ; equal fire Leapt in his veins ; locked close for love they lie, The heart’s dumb word exprest without a sigh In the strong magic of a lover’s kiss, And the twin light of love ; but Archais Felt through her blood a sudden chill ; her face Blanched and besought a moment’s breathing space ; Her heart’s desire welled up, and then again Whitened her cheeks with the exceeding pain Of uttermost despair. At last her strength Failed, and she flung her weary body at length Amid the bruiséd flowers ; while from her eyes Surged the salt tears ; low moans she multiplies Because her love is blasphemous ; the wind Sighs for all answer, sobs and wails behind Among the trees ; the streams grows deadly pale Hearing her weep, and like a silver sail