So ceased she: flashing from her challenging eyes

Arch invitations, boldly coy. The air,

Loth to let slip such bliss,

Clung to its echoing whispers, murmurous-wise,

In passionate ecstasy. And yet, howe’er

Each swollen vein of mine with knotted strain

Stood high, content for one celestial kiss

To cheapen Life and Thought, a distant pain

Fettered me with disturbed uncertainty.

Hesitant I glanced away; held of a doubt;