Sappho and Phaon: Sonnet X

DANG'ROUS to hear is that melodious tongue,
And fatal to the sense those murd'rous eyes,
Where in a sapphire sheath love's arrow lies,
Himself conceal'd the crystal haunts among!
Oft o'er that form, enamour'd, have I hung,
On that smooth cheek to mark the deepening dyes,
While from that lip the fragrant breath would rise,
That lip, like Cupid's bow, with rubies strung !
Still let me gaze upon that polish'd brow,
O'er which the golden hair luxuriant plays ;
So, on the modest lily's leaves of snow
The proud sun revels in resplendent rays !
Warm as his beams this sensate heart shall glow,
Till life's last hour with Phaon's self decays !