Tale of Archais

THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 39 From the far strand of Lesbos ; then there came Into their eyes a new and awful flame Suddenly burning ; now upon the beach The waves kept tune in unexpressive speech As sad voice drew nigh ; the hero shrank Like one in awe ; the flame shot up and sank From the crimson-vestured altar ; then the song Found in the wavering breeze from over sea a tongue. Here, on the crimson stand of blood-red waters, We, Cypris, not thy daughters, Clad in bright flame, filled with unholy wine, O Cypris, none of thine !— Here, kissing in the dim red dusk, we linger, Striking with amorous finger Our lyres, whose fierce delights are all divine— O Cypris, none of thine ! Quenchless, insatiable, the unholy fire Floods our red lips’ desire ; Our kisses sting, as barren as the brine— O Cypris, none of thine !