His breath the blossom stirred and all the air
Grew fragrant with a subtle, rich perfume;
The spicèd alleys glowed, the while a rare
And crystal radiance did illume
All the adjacent space
As 't were an angel's face.
Kneeling, he gently laid his glowing lips,
Like softest music on her lips, when came
A thrill that trembled to her petal-tips,
And on the instant, with a sudden flame,
Leaped forth the shining sun,
And Earth and Heaven were one.
"Who art thou?" queried she, "Tell me thy name,
To whom Godlike this Godlike power is given,
That thus for me, without or fear or shame,
But by thy lips' soft touch Greatest Heaven?"
Whilst to his heart she clove,
He whispered, "I am Love."
LOVE
(AFTER ANACREON)
Astray within a garden bright
I found a tiny wingèd sprite:
He scarce was bigger than a sparrow
And bore a little bow and arrow.
I lifted him up in my arm,
Without a thought of guile or harm;
But merely as it were in play,
With threats to carry him away.