The Wiles Of Absál

Now from her hair would twine a musky chain, To bind his heart--now twist it into curls Nestling innumerable temptations; Doubled the darkness of her eyes with surma To make him lose his way, and over them Adorn'd the bows that were to shoot him then; Fresh rose, and then a grain of musk lay there, The bird of the beloved heart to snare. Now to the rose-leaf of her cheek would add, Now with a laugh would break the ruby seal That, lockt up pearl; or busied in the room Would smite her hand, perhaps--on that pretence To lift and show the silver in her sleeve; Or hastily rising, dash her golden anklets To draw the crowned head under her feet. Thus by innumerable bridal wiles She went about soliciting his eyes, Which she would scarce let lose her for a moment; For well she knew that mainly by the eye Love makes his sign, and by no other road Enters and takes possession of the heart.