Lost Eros

I know it fell in Spring:— in Spring,
Of old, my feet went wandering
In a garden ground;
And in the sunniest spot of all.
Beside a blossom'd orchard wall,
A shady arbour found.

I look'd within: the loveliest face
Smiled 'mid the silence of the place,
Of a golden boy:
His eyes were wonderful to see,
His shoulders were as ivory,
, His lips but little coy.

He said, — and smiled: his words were still
And sweet: — " If you have but the will,
Rest beside me, here.
To clasp me close, and kiss these eyes.
Is as the bliss of Paradise.
None listens: none is near."

I said, " I know you. Love: I know
The snares you weave for those who go
Idlers in the land."
I cried, " Away! Love, bind not me! "
Turn'd, as a vessel holds to sea,
When near a Siren strand.

Now gleams his face in dreams: I pass
Along the wither'd dewless grass,
And in vain I sigh,
To find him, touch him, cling to him,
To kiss him, till my eyes grow dim;
To clasp him till I die.