Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1822.pdf/41

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Literary Gazette, 10th August, 1822, Page 487

ORIGINAL POETRY. Sketches from Designs by Mr. Dagley. Sketch the Third.

THE CUP OF CIRCE. "All have drank of the cup of the enchantress."

She sat a crowned Queen—the ruby's light Gleamed like a red star on the dark midnight Amid her curls; but as they downward fell To meet her ivory neck's luxuriant swell, Some roses twined around the flowing hair— Fair roses—yet her neck was far more fair: They were in summer perfume, and they gave Fresh fragrance forth at each light tress's wave. Her cheek was crimson beauty, and her eye Flashed light upon its varying brilliancy. There was a spell in those dark eyes, and all Bent joyfully beneath its radiant thrall: Their power was on the heart. One white hand raised A sparkling vase, where gold and opals blazed Only less glorious than her starry eyes; (How sweet the incensed breathings that arise From that enchanted cup!) and she the while Held the bright poison with a witching smile. All gathered round. I marked a fair child stop And kiss the purple bubbles from the top; A white haired man, too, hung upon the brim— Oh! that such pleasure should have charms for him And by his side a girl, whose blue eyes, bent On the seducer, looked too innocent For passion's madness;—but love's soul was there— And for young Love what will not woman dare! There was a warrior—oh, the chain was sweet That bound him prisoner to the Circe's feet: He knelt and gazed upon her beauty; she Smiled, and received his wild idolatry; Then sighed that low sweet sigh, whose tender tone Is witching, from its echo of our own. The Painter's skill has seized a moment where Her hand is wreathing mid his raven hair;