XV.

But passion ambushed by the aerial shrine

Comes forth to dance, a hoofed obscenity,

His satyr's dance, with laughter in his eye,

And cruelty along the scarlet line

Of his bright smiling mouth. All uncontrolled,

Love's rebel servant, he delights to beat

The maddening quick dry rhythm of goatish feet

Even in the sanctuary, and makes bold

To mime himself the godhead of the place.

He turns in terror from her trance-calmed face,

From the white-lidded languor of her eyes,

From lips that passion never shook before,

But glad in the promise of her sacrifice:

"I give you all; would that I might give more."

The Defeat of Youth, and Other Poems · 第 18 / 61 题