 | Sonnets : a sequence on profane love by George Henry Boker |  |
[XXIX. As Cleopatra's pearl dissolved in wine]
As Cleopatra's pearl dissolved in wine,Made her rich draught the boast of olden days,—
The shame and wonder of our meaner ways,
Who grudge the chalice to the very shrine;
So when thy love in this poor heart of mine
Dissolves its wealth, within my nature plays
A richer spirit, and my drooping bays
Sprout like the prophet's rod, and somewhat shine.
Like the Egyptian's draught, I trust to hold
My storied place amongst the men to be;
Not all alone, securely joined to thee,
In some dim fragment of a legend old:
Not for mere me the history shall be told,
But, precious pearl, for what was lost in me.
March 19, 1861
| Sonnets : a sequence on profane love by George Henry Boker | |