Love'S Earthly Way

Now when Salámán's heart turned to Absál, Her star was happy in the heavens--old Love Put forth afresh--Desire doubled his bond: And of the running time she watch'd an hour To creep into the mansion of her moon And satiate her soul upon his lips. And the hour came; she stole into his chamber-- Ran up to him, Life's offer in her hand-- And, falling like a shadow at his feet, She laid her face beneath. Salámán then With all the courtesies of princely grace Put forth his hand--he rais'd her in his arms-- He held her trembling there--and from that fount Drew first desire; then deeper from her lips, That, yielding, mutually drew from his A wine that ever drawn from never fail'd. So through the day--so through another still. The day became a seventh--the seventh a moon-- The moon a year--while they rejoiced together, Thinking their pleasure never was to end. But rolling Heaven whisper'd from his ambush, "So in my license is it not set down. Ah for the sweet societies I make At morning and before the nightfall break! Ah for that bliss that with the setting sun I mix, and, with his rising, all is done!"