THE THIRTY-SECOND DAY 
 
“ Me of my lawful pleasure she restrained 
And prayed me oft forbearance.” 
Cymbeline. 
 
How sweet the soft looks shot, endearing shame 
With their warm fragrance of love’s modest eyes ! 
The secret knowledge of our secrecies 
Shone from their distance with a subtle flame, 
And gave to pudency a rosier name 
When the long lashes drooped, and saintlier sighs 
Took softer meanings, till my arteries 
Throbbed with the glad desire that went and came. 
 
“ I charge you in the very name of love.” 
Quoth she :  “ We have all day to steal below 
And snatch short kisses out of danger’s throat. 
Why beg you night :  is not the day enough ?” 
But I :  “ The night is panting and aglow 
to feel our hair distraught and limbs afloat.” 
 
72