Bringing
all
heart's
blood
to
one
house,
too
sore
and sweet ?
Who rageth as a lioness bereaved,
If, for a moment's breathing
space,
I move
Back from the purple where her bosom heaved,
Back from the chosen body that I love ?
Whose lips cling faster still
In desperate
sweet will?
Whose
body melts as fire caught in wine
Into the clasping soul ?
Whose
breathing breasts control
Her heart's
quick pulsing, and the sob of mine?
O Venus, lady Venus, thou it is
Whose
fierce immortal kiss
Abides
upon me, about me, and within
!
Thou,
lady of the secret of the Sea,
Made
one for love with me,
Love and desire and dream,
a sense of mortal sin !
Who Cometh
as a visionary
shape
Within my soul and spirit to abide.
Mysterious
labyrinth
without escape.
Magical
lover, and enchanted bride ?
O Mother of my will
!
Set thy live body still
Unto my heart,
that even Eternity
Roll by our barren bed —
6i