Delightful to converse with and to kiss;

They fascinate us with their wondrous eyes

As serpents fascinate the little birds.

They draw us closer to them, ever closer,

Then suddenly like serpents they coil up

And put beyond our grasp their queenly treasures,

Alas! in their possession to remain,

But useless, vain and perishable things

That might have given ecstasy to many.

SWINBURNE