TUBA VENERIS

See what this sallow suitor doth endure
While shallow run the veins that once were pure--
Why, why control the violeted sage
The heart, and hearts control the yellowed rage?
Where off get you to speak the word to me
That lovers' each emotion be full free?
'Tis love indeed--Say I 'tis but a Mist
A grey-cloak cloud like Sammaël hath hissed;
But, here, a proving-ground, a game of fools
By which establish thou the graven rules--
A list, a letter; fashion now your oath
Which, once 'tis spoken, bound 'til death be both.
'Til death of life? Nay, now, 'til death of lust,
'Til one's endurance bite through bitter crust--
And here, the child in other cheer the just...
Unless the only Child be lost to dust.