Orpheus

Stories to tremble at and flee— And others worth a tear. I thought of how a maiden man Might hear a deadly song And clasp a siren in his span, And feel her kiss grow strong To drag him with caresses wan Into the House of Wrong. Another: how the women grew Like vines of tender grape, And how they laughed as lovers do, And took a lover’s shape, And how men sought them, free to woo— To leave them, no escape! Another: how a golden cup A golden girl would pour, And whoso laughed and drank it up Grew wise and warrior : But whoso stayed to smile and sup Returned—ah, never more! And yet again—a river steep, A maiden combing light, Her hair’s enchantment—she would weep And sing for love’s delight, Until the listener dropped to sleep In magic of her night. 135