The Barrier (Smith)

In the desire of welded lips, Of heart on prone tumultuous heart, Abides no stronger thing than this Dread love that keeps our lips apart.

Between us lies an ancient fear; Before me, in thy troubled eyes, A shadow flees as flees the nymph, Tremulous with the faun's surprise.

Hard silence like a stifling hand Withholds the word we fain would say; Over us lies the dreamt caress Transfixèd with a dear dismay.

When shall the passion of the faun Resistless in my heart arise, And take the warm and trembling nymph That flees within thy startled eyes ?