Page:Stars of the Desert.djvu/38

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

"The magic Garden of Delight
Is ours; I hold the key.
Take up Love's sceptre, yours by right
And learn his mystery and might,
Ah, come and reign with me to-night,
In silent ecstasy!

"Come, while the silver stars above
Rain down their light serene and still,
And if you cannot come for love,
Ah, come on any terms you will!"


How should the youth resist, deny,
Or turn his lips from hers away?
Nightly, beneath th' unheeding sky,
The fierce Churel caressed her prey.

Nightly, the flickering Peepul trees,
Echoed his soft and broken sighs,
While the faint eddies of the breeze
In pity fanned his sleepless eyes.

Frailer he grew, more wan and pale,
Possession only fed Desire,
Like wax he felt his forces fail
Consumed in her insistent fire.

26