 | Vigil and vision |  |
73
THE RAPE OF PSYCHE.
(A PICTURE BY PRUDHON).
WHAT is yon slumbering maiden, wonder-white,That, like a gossamer, through heaven fares,
Upborne and wafted of the frolic airs?
Psyche it is they bring, in brief delight
To dwell with Eros in his land of light.
Alack, poor maid, how many weary stairs
Must thou o'erclimb of toils and doubts and cares,
Ere full thy sense shall steep in thy lord's sight!
Sweet soul of the world's joys and woes, the hand
Of vengeful heaven is heavy upon thee.
True, Love is strong; but Fate supreme command
Hath over him nor suffereth him free
His own, or e'er, in darkness and in cold,
The appointed tale of sufferance be told.
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