Classic Poem

2.

" Would you be presented duly? "
In my ear the duchess said. —
" Nay, my courage fails, for, truly,
I've already lost my head. "

I cannot look on her unshaken!
When she is nigh, I seem to know
That life anew for me must waken,
With olden bliss and olden woe.

I turn from her affrighted even,
But longing holds when I would flee.
Like stars of fate in a stormy heaven.
Her lovely eyes shine out on me.

Her brow's serene. But, to confound me,
The future lightnings gather there:
The coming storm, that soon around me
Will beat, and bring my soul despair.

The mouth is gentle, but with terror
Beneath the rose I mark, forlorn,
The snake that soon will prove my error
With faithless kiss, with lovely scorn.

Sweet perilous spot! I needs must near her —
Longing compels — I have no choice —
Already I have turned, and hear her —
Like flame and music is her voice.

She asks, and sets my heart a-flutter,
" Sir, who was singing? " I recall
My foolish wits enough to stutter,
" I did not hear the song at all. "