Page:Sappho and the Vigil of Venus (1920).djvu/23

Rh Hear thy laugh love-thrilling! In thy net tangled

Then my breast's bird wildly his wings must flutter!

One, one furtive glance—and my breath is strangled;

Nought can I utter:

Palsied fails my tongue, and a wildfire subtle

'Neath my skin is suddenly coursing, searing

These mine eyes blind: throbbeth my pulses' shuttle,

Stunning mine hearing.

Drops of anguish slip from my forehead: quivers

Every limb: parched grass by the sickle laid is

Not so pale: my frame in a death-swoon shivers

Close unto Hades.

Yet I blench not!—ev'n to the beggar gleaming

Treasure shines in dreams, that his sleep is golden:

So my love hopes ever: in happy dreaming

Still am I holden.

Yet my dream is troubled, as yearning, straining,

Empty arms I stretch, and I wake with weeping.

Let the dawn-wind scatter my heart-sick paining

Swiftly down-sweeping!

Aphrodite, crownèd with gold, O give me

Love for my lot, even my heart's dream-treasure!

This, whereof my rival would fain bereave me,

Grant of thy pleasure!