And then her mouth, more delicate 5
Than the frail wood-anemone,
Brushes my cheek, and deeper grow
The purple shadows.
XIX
There is a medlar-tree
Growing in front of my lover’s house,
And there all day
The wind makes a pleasant sound.
And when the evening comes, 5
We sit there together in the dusk,
And watch the stars
Appear in the quiet blue.
XX
I behold Arcturus going westward
Down the crowded slope of night-dark azure,
While the Scorpion with red Antares
Trails along the sea-line to the southward.
From the ilex grove there comes soft laughter,— 5
My companions at their glad love-making,—
While that curly-headed boy from Naxos
With his jade flute marks the purple quiet.
XXI
Softly the first step of twilight
Falls on the darkening dial,
One by one kindle the lights
In Mitylene.
Noises are hushed in the courtyard, 5
The busy day is departing,
Children are called from their games,—
Herds from their grazing.