English poem
Iii.--The Song Of The Prince In Disguise
by Robert Nichols (1893–1944)
The look in thine eyes can change me utterly; Thine eyes challenge: my heart is lighted, I am thy taper, I burn straight-pointed-- Ay, even so doing I waste away.
Bathe me in thy calm eyes' soft glances; I am thy slave, I bow, I worship; Bid me to steal, and I will steal gladly: Ah! bid me not, thou robbest my manhood.
Let thine eyes smile: change comes upon me, I put forth blossoms, flowers of my passion, Roses crimson, alas! whose petals, Once white, now blush with blood of my heart.
Gaze not on me: I burn, I perish; Gaze not on me: I am thy servant; Gaze not on me: I sink a-bleeding; Yet gaze! I cannot otherwise live.
LAWFORD, Easter, 1914.