Alice: An Adultery

And wide they sunder, wide They fall into the tide Of fallen things. Me, me, O meek-browed bride, Horrible faces hide And devilish wings. Me the grim harpies hold In kisses slaver-cold, Mute serpent-shapes of gold With serpent stings. The dreadful bridal won, The demon banquet done, My flesh let loose :— Rises a strange red sun, A sight to slay or stun ; Sepulchral dews Fall from the rayless globe, Whose sightless fingers probe My golden-folded robe, My soul’s misuse. 6