Tale of Archais

THE TALE OF ARCHAIS 53 In a cool peace beyond imagining, Where not a tender wind disturbs the frost, And not a dove spreads out a silver wing, And silence’ self in silence’ self is lost, And our lips touch without a sound or sigh, And our lips dwell on either, you and I, Alone, above my king ! where our hearts beat, Beat close together, silently and low, And your rose feet desire my silver feet, And your arms meet and hold me ever—so. You must remember when with feet of fire The New Moon flamed upon the crystal night, And your desire was touched of my desire, And both grew one delirious delight And I was made your wife for ever—so. How you lay close to me, your head quite low In the warm pillow where my head had lain, And I, as a young heifer newly slain, With soft tears wept and waited for your kiss, And knew the exquisite delight of pain Borne for love’s sake—so lazily as this For ever, with your eyelids’ silver rain Freshing my soul with unimagined showers.