Poems (Jackson)/Ariadne's Farewell
ARIADNE'S FAREWELL.
HE daughter of a king, how should I knowThat there were tinsels wearing face of gold,And worthless glass, which in the sunlight's holdCould shameless answer back my diamond's glowWith cheat of kindred fire? The currents slow,And deep, and strong, and stainless, which had rolledThrough royal veins for ages, what had toldTo them, that hasty heat and lie could showAs quick and warm a red as theirs?As quick and warm a red as theirs?Go free!The sun is breaking on the sea's blue shieldIts golden lances; by their gleam I seeThy ship's white sails. Go free, if scorn can yieldThee freedom!Thee freedom!Then, alone, my love and I,—We both are royal; we know how to die.