Collected Works (Vol. I)

14 THE TALE OF ARCHAIS Free from her fate, and promise by this kiss The warmer kisses of thy Archais.”’ She spake, and on his brow, betwixt her hands Pressed softly, as a maid in bridal bands, Kissed him a mother’s kiss. Then Charicles Gave her due thanks, and bent his ear to seize Her further words. days Shall flame and flicker into darkened ways Before the wings of night, ere Hermes fly Hither, the messenger of Zeus. But I Bid thee remain beneath the temple gate While I consider of our war on Fate. Till then, and I will tell thee everything That thou must do; but now let song take wing Till the pale air swoon with the deep delight That makes cool noontide from the sultry night. What are your dreams, my maidens? Your young dreams ? Are they of passion, or of rocks and streams, Of purple mountains, clad about with green, Or do their lamps grow dim in the unseen? Sing to this hero; sing, lure slumber to your queen.” And she: ‘Not many SONG OF APHRODITE’S LIANDMAIDENS. My dreams are sweet, because my heart is free, Because our locks sti]l mingle and lips meet, Because thine arms still hold me tenderly, My dreams are sweet. Visions ot waters rippling by my feet, Trees that re-weave their branches lovingly, 3irds that pass passionate on pinions fect : Such quiet joys my eyes in slumber see— Let death’s keen sickle wander through the wheat ! I love not life o’ermuch; since loving thee My dreams arc sweet. Sing, little bird, it is dawn ; Cry ! with the day the woods ring; Now in the blush of the morn Sing ! Love doth enchain me and cling, Love, of the breeze that is born, Love, with the breeze that takes wing. Love that is lighter than scorn, Love, that is strong as a king, Love, through the gate that is horn,? Sing ! Then Charicles rejoicing quickly ran And chose a lyre, and thus his song began Rippling through melodies unheard of man. SONG OF CHARICLES, Wake, fairy maid, for the day Blushes our curtain to shake ; Summer and blossoms of May Wake! Lilies drink light on the lake, Laughter drives dreamland away, Kisses shall woo thee, and slake Passion with amorous play, Clip thee and love, for Love’s sake. Wake and caress me, I pray, Wake ! Snow-hills and streams, dew-diamonded, Call us from silvery dreams To where the morning kindles red Snow-hills and streams. See, breezes whisper, sunlight gleams With gentle kissings; flowers shed Pale scents, the whole sweet meadow steams. Forth, glittering shoulders, golden head, And tune our lutes to tender themes Among the lost Joves of the dead, Snow-hills and streams. ' The gate through which true dreams are perecived., :