White Stains

46 BALLADE DE LA JOLIE MARION Fond limbs with mine were intertwined, A hand lascivious fondled me ; My ears grew deaf, my eyes grew blind, My tongue was hot from kisses free, Short madness, and we lazily Lolled back upon the bed of fire. I was a-weary—her desire Drew her upon me—Marion, fie ! You work our pleasure till I tire : But we must part, and love must die. Nor thus did love’s embraces wane, Though lusty limbs grow idle quite ; Our mouths’ red vales are over-fain To suck the sweetness from the night ; And amorously, with touches light, Steal passion from reluctant pain. So has the daystar fled again Before the blushes of the sky, So did I clasp thy knees in vain : For we must part, and love must die. You say another’s sensuous lips Shall open to my kisses there :