And I grew[27] day after day,
Till upon the ground I lay;
And I grew[27] night after night,
Seeking only for delight.
V.
And I saw before me shine
Clusters of the wandering vine;
And many a lovely flower and tree
Stretched their blossoms out to me.
VI.
But many a priest[28] with holy look,
In their hands a holy book,
Pronouncèd curses on his head
Who the fruit or blossoms shed.
VII.
I beheld the priests by night;
They embraced the blossoms bright;
I beheld the priests by day;
Underneath the vines they lay.
VIII.
Like to serpents in the night,
They embraced my blossoms bright;
Like to holy men by day,
Underneath my vines they lay.