Arthur Symons

Lesbia and Other Poems Arthur Symons

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ... CORKUPTIO OPTIMI PESSTMA (On a drawing). The smoky locks that twist about that brow In anguish of rebellion, are the same That bore the laurel, when the mouth's acclaim (Wide with unspeakable woes and cursings now) Woes heard among the sons of God, whose vow Is ever toward the Highest. What strong shame Has burnt upon this visage like a flame Afire upon a temple,--strong to bow The columns of its strength, and blacken all The sacred writing on the pictured wall, And lay the altar low and ruinous? Where, when the fire has had its will, there lies Of all once holiest underneath the skies, A heap, a ruin, black and hideous. THE DANCE OF THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS A large and empty room, with a door on the right and an open fireplace on the left. On each side of the fireplace sit an old Man And Woman representing the Body and the Soul; The Man holds an hour-glass in his hand, The Woman a staff, with which she stirs the fire of logs. The Soul O brother Body, we are old. What is this numb and trembling cold That sets us shaking like thin boughs? Is it not winter in the House? Sit closer to the fire and stir The logs till they are cheerfuller, And put a warmth into our knees; And think no more of memories, When we were younger, and could feel The blood in use from head to heel. DANCE OF THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS 43 The Body O Soul, my sister, is it you That now I must give answer to? You who of old when I was sick Would heal me by some heavenly trick, And set before me when I would The meat of dreams to be my food? Have you forgotten with our youth That what we will for truth is truth, And that the flames have always been A mirror where our eyes have seen The dancers of those ecstasies That were to our first opening eyes Immortal spirits, exultant...