Xxi

Eadem Semper

How shall I hold you? By a scimitar Of flashing wit suspended o'er your head, Oh, my Beloved? Or with lips rose-red Lure you to Lethe? Shall I stand afar, Pale and remote and distant as a star, Challenging love? Or by a scarlet thread Jealousy's wiles, beguile by scorn and dread? Wounding the heart I love with hateful scar.

Nay, I can take no action, play no play; All my wit falters when I hear you speak, All my wise guile with which your wooing strove Vanishes as the sun of yesterday. I can but lay my cheek against your cheek-- Love me or leave me, I can only love.