The Star in the West

THE VIRGIN 57 as in “ Alice,” “ The dove gave place a moment to the swine ; ”—and yet hardly so ! the pure desire of man and woman in whatever state of life , the weaving of the golden web of twain into one entity, is not lust , never was lust , never will be lust . According to the conventional meaning of that word , lust expresses something unhealthy , unclean ; and the love Charicles bore Archais was certainly not that . This love , to use a good old English word , was a “ lusty ” love , that is a healthy love , and not a lustful or perverted desire . The beauty of nature , the beauty of living , and above all the bright beauty of Archais ; intoxicated him ; before him whirled visions of loveli ness , and as her eyes reflected the passion of his own , as they smiled back on him all the love he bore her , yielding , he caught her up as a flame would another , and the “ iron rod of law " grew misty , for they were one , one in body , mind and soul ; alone for that moment , sole inhabitants of this World - Infinite . The moment is over , the girl rises up a woman , the wreath of lilies is now a crown of roses , she has plucked the golden fruit of Eden , henceforth she is a priestess of Sorrow ; the crushed and bruised flowers cry to her “ such as we were we are not , such as thou wert thou canst never be again .” The horrid spell falls upon her , and she writhes from his arms a snake . Charicles trembling , fearful , at last becomes aware that fate has overtaken them ; then all the fury of manhood rises in him : Erect , sublime , he swore so fierce an oath That the sea flashed with blasphemy , and loath Black thunders broke from out the shuddering deep . He swore again , and from its century's sleep Earthquake arose , and rocked and raved and roared .