Page:The Statues in the Block and Other Poems (1881).djvu/19

Rh This golden medal's touch would still have power To light the love-fire in the faded eyes And swell the shrivelled breast to maiden roundness This thought I nursed—O Stygian abyss!— Away thy picture of the rippled hair! Her hair was rippled and her eyes were deep, Her breasts and limbs were white and lily-curved, But all the woman, soul and wondrous flesh, Was poison-steeped and veined with vicious fire; And I, blind fool who trusted, was but one Who swooned with love beside her—But I drank The wine she filled, and made her eat the dregs— I drenched her honey with my sea of gall. I see her in the marble where she shrinks In shuddered fear, as if my face were fire— Her cowering shadow making whiter still The face of him that writhes beside her feet. I see him breathe, the last deep breath, and turn His eyes upon me horror-filled—his hand, Still hot with wanton dalliance, clutched hard