Of Eros toucht the heart, and the keen scorch

[44]

Lickt up the foul misuse of vase so fair

As woman's body, Helen flusht and fair

Leaned from the wall a fire-hued seraph's face

And in one rapt long look gave and took Grace.

Deep in her eyes he saw the light divine,

Quick in him ran fierce joy of it like wine:

Light unto light made answer, as a flag

Answers when men tell tidings from one crag

Unto another, and from peak to peak

The good news flashes. Scarcely could he speak

Measurable words, so high his wild thought whirled:

"Bride, Goddess, Helen, O Wonder of the World,

Shall I come for thee?"

Her tender words came soft

As dropping rose petals on garden croft

Down from the wall's sheer height—"Come soon, come soon."

And homing to the lines those drummed his tune.

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