Vi

Now was her face white waves in the tempest’s sharp flame-blink; Her skies shot black. Now was it visioned infamy to drink Of earth’s cool dew, and through the vines Frolic in pearly laughter with her young, Watching the healthful, natural, happy signs Where hands of lads and maids like tendrils clung, After their sly shy ventures from the leaf, And promised bunches. Now it seemed The world was one malarious mire, Crying for purification: chief This land of France. It seemed A duteous desire To drink of life’s hot flood, and the crimson streamed.