Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/251

Rh The rose, still virgin, holds herself withdrawn From the winged, irised wasp with love possessed. Hark, all is hashed. Now of thy sweetheart dream ; To-day the snnset, with a lingering beam, Caressed the dusky-f oliaged linden-grove. All things shall bloom to-night; great Nature thrills, Her couch with perfume, passion, sighs, she fills, like to the nuptial bed of youthful love.

Why throbs my heart so fast, so low ? What sets my seething blood aglow. And fills my sense with vague affright ? Who raps upon my chamber-door ? My lamp's spent ray upon the floor, Why does it dazzle me with light ? Great God ! my limbs sink under me ! Who enters ? who is calling ? none ! The clock strikes — I am all alone — O solitude ! poverty !

My poet, take thy lyre. Youth's living wine Ferments to-night within the veins divine. My breast is troubled, stifling with desire, The panting breeze has set my lips afire ; O listless child, behold me, I am fair !