10.08.2014, 12:44
AFTER THE BATH
NOW the swart slave-girls bring their perfumes sweet.
And lightly sprinkle all her lustrous hair,
Her supple neck, her ivory breast half -bare,
Her glowing limbs, and e'en her pink-white feet.
Languid she leans against the cushioned seat,
While one white hand along the ebon chair
Wanders to stroke the pard-skin lying there ;
Upon her eyes the jetty lids half meet.
What dreams she of. now that the bath is done,
The unguents ended, and the cool robe brought?
Of lovers? Nay — again beneath the sun
She sees the red arena's sands upcaught
Tn wild beasts' bloody jaws, and one by one
The gladiators dying where they fought.
NOW the swart slave-girls bring their perfumes sweet.
And lightly sprinkle all her lustrous hair,
Her supple neck, her ivory breast half -bare,
Her glowing limbs, and e'en her pink-white feet.
Languid she leans against the cushioned seat,
While one white hand along the ebon chair
Wanders to stroke the pard-skin lying there ;
Upon her eyes the jetty lids half meet.
What dreams she of. now that the bath is done,
The unguents ended, and the cool robe brought?
Of lovers? Nay — again beneath the sun
She sees the red arena's sands upcaught
Tn wild beasts' bloody jaws, and one by one
The gladiators dying where they fought.