Classic Poem

XVI.

The rubies floating o'er her breast
Drew warmth and love from where they lay;
There vague delight was wooed to rest,
And felt it death from thence to stray.

XVII.

Up sprang the King, and wondering gazed;
He ne'er had looked on aught so bright;
His eyes, his lips with joy amazed,
Were drinking beauty's air and light.

XVIII.

" O! more than health and more than ease,
Thou giv'st me, lady, strength divine;
The draught thou bringest let me seize,
And make thy maddest philtres mine. "

XIX.

With downward smile, and shifting glance,
Her soft white hand from his she drew;
She filled a cup with wine of France,
And in with it her spicery threw.

XX.

" Drink first, my Liege, this potent draught
To heal whate'er thou hast of pain. "
With eager mouth her cup he quaffed,
As if her kisses' depth to drain.