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 !