One kiss is hers full rank and red—
Do you sip at her lip? Hell hangs on her fangs !
She loves; love laughs at pity!
Then who will up to taste her mouth?
Who on her mount and ride?
Look to the North, the West, the South!
There is carnage vulture-eyed.
Then who will suck the breath of death,
The swift and glittering bride ?
The bride that clings as a snare with springs
To the warrior’s stricken side?
A shudder struck the hidden men
As the maniac’s mouthings ceased.
Then, kindling, rose a roar:
‘‘ Spread, spread the furtive feast !
The wine of agony pour!
The fruit of valour pluck!
The meat of murder suck!
‘* Sweet are the songs of her throat !
Soft are the strokes of her fan!
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