Slim flakes of foam; and, soft and dim,

Stooped out of fiery-bound abysses

To print his brow with icy kisses.

At last within his trembling hand

An ancient flask burnt, starry rose;

A liquid flame of ruby fanned,

Heart-like, with crimson throes:

And in the liquid, like a flower,

A starlike face bloomed for an hour,

Then slowly faded to a skull