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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE VESTAL'S DREAM by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL

First Line: AH, VENUS, WHITE-LIMBED MOTHER OF DELIGHT
Last Line: AND LIGHTS WITH SILVER TORCH THE FALLEN FIRE.
Subject(s): INNOCENCE; MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL; VENUS (GODDESS);
AH, Venus, white-limbed mother of delight,
Why shouldst thou tease her with a dream so dear?
Winged tenderness of kisses, hovering near,
Her gentle longings cheat. Forbidden sight
Of eager eyes doth through the virgin night
Perplex her innocence with cherished fear.
O cruel thou, with sweets to ripen here
In wintry cloisters what can know but blight.
Wilt leave her now to scorn? The lictors' blows
To-morrow shall be merciless. The light
Dies on the altar! Nay, swift through the night,
Comes pitiful the queen of young desire,
That reddened in a dream this chaste white rose,
And lights with silver torch the fallen fire.



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