AMBERGRIS 
73 
 
 
 
FROM ALICE :  AN ADULTERY 
 
Alice 
 
The roses of the world are sad, 
The water-lilies pale, 
Because my lover takes her lad 
Beneath the moonlight veil. 
No flower may bloom this happy hour— 
Unless my Alice be the flower. 
 
The stars are hidden in dark and mist, 
The moon and sun are dead, 
Because my love has caught and kissed 
My body in her bed. 
No light may shine this happy night— 
Unless my Alice be the light. 
 
So silent are the thrush, the lark ! 
The nightingale’s at rest, 
Because my lover loves the dark, 
And has me in her breast. 
No song this happy night be heard !— 
Unless my Alice be the bird. 
 
The sea that roared around the house 
Is fallen from alarms, 
Because my lover calls me spouse, 
And takes me to her arms. 
This night no sound of breakers be !— 
Unless my Alice be the sea. 
 
Of man and maid in all the world 
Is stilled the swift caress, 
Because my lover has me curled 
In her own loveliness.