Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1823.pdf/16

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Literary Gazette, 8th February 1823, Page 91

HERCULES AND IOLE. She held the cup; and he the while Sat gazing on her playful smile, As all the wine he wished to sip Was one kiss from her rosebud lip. Half leaning to him, half withdrawn, Like one above the waters bending, And blushing like the maiden dawn Before the bridegroom sun's ascending— The head a little turned aside, Downcast the eyes, as if to hide Beneath their black fringe, shadowy dim, The glance which yet would steal to him— Her hero love, stood. And the dark Chief had washed the blood From his red hands, and thrown away His arms, which there all useless lay, As every trophy that he sought, By time and toil and danger bought, Were won in winning woman's sigh— One glance from her bewildering eye. His arms are round the graceful shape As if he feared it could escape, Guarding like life what is so dear— All this is love's delicious fear— And yet delaying ere he presses That lip so soft, that cheek so bright, As tho' the joy of those caresses Would, like the burst of sudden light, Be too much happiness. - - - There were Warfare and danger, toil and care, Even from earliest infancy, Hero of sorrows! marked for thee; But can they countervail the bliss That lightens o'er an hour like this?