The Star in the West

THE VIRGIN 55 She lay within the water , and the sun Made golden with his pleasure every one Of small cool ripples that surround her throat , Mix with her curls , and catch the hands that float Like water -lilies on the wave .' Chance bowed herself across the sunny bars, And watched where through the silence of the lawn Came Charicles , the darling of the dawn , Slowly , and to his steps took little heed ; He came towards the pool , his god -wrought reed Shrilling dim visions of things glorious , And saw the maiden , that disported thus , And worshipped. . . ? As Percy , “ a moment , and he flashed towards her side. " He clasps her to his breast , kisses her , is dis mayed : Her perfect eyelids drooped , her warm cheek paled, A tear stole over it.3 He is tender , pitiful, this is no Angela . My perfect love, O love ! for strange and dread Delights consume me ; I am as one dead Beating at Heaven's gate with nerveless wing .* Charicles then sings the rather mystic song which opens as follows: Man's days are dim , his deeds are dust, His span is but a little space , He lusts to live , he lives to lust , His soul is barren of love or trust, His heart is hopeless , seeing he must Perish , and leave no trace.5 He bids her gaze into his eyes , With love, my cheeks with passion burn As thy clear eyes may well discern By gazing into mine . 1 The Tale of Archais , vol . i, p. 7. 3 Ibid . vol. i, p. 8. • Ibid . vol. i, p. 9. 2 Ibid . vol. i, p. 8. 4 Ibid . vol. i, p. 8. 6 Ibid . vol. i, p. 9.