Page:The Bengali Book of English Verse.djvu/149

Rh As though too rich a joy and shame In that deep crimson mantling came. And with averted cheek and hands Folded one rapturous moment stands. Empresslike she smiles, and fain Would linger o'er his gorgeous pain. But ah! that passion-eaten look Her gentle bosom cannot brook. Tears start into her eyes: she turns With shining eyes, and cheek that burns. Love and reluctant maidenhood Her heart impelled, her heart withstood, A rosy strife; but soon that glow Of shame she checks, and, tranquil now, Raising her soft-fringed eyelids dim, Bends full her starry gaze on him.

O what a heaven, what land unknown To Julian's happy sight is shown! To all his agonies, all his sighs What opening, sudden paradise! Abandoned to that glorious gaze, A moment in sweet dread he stays: That gaze of speechless amethyst, Its meaning, could it e'er be missed? He takes her hand inflamed with bliss, Her willing, trembling hand in his; And in glad tears she hides her face Lock'd in his passionate embrace.

To his her darling cheek is prest, Against her own his fever'd breast; Love gleams from her eyes into his In answer to each glowing kiss. And while a smile, a sigh there springs, Kisses and tears,—sweet idle things, 10