The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | ||
V. TITIAN'S PICTURE OF BACCHUS AND ARIADNE.
Young Ariadne, by her lover ledThrough narrow mountain pass, or woodland glade
Rich with a thousand flowers, loved the shade
That o'er her modest steps a veil outspread:
Now, with slow tears she mourns that lover fled:
Her golden hair, half fallen from the braid,
Hath but a wavering protection made
For the fair brow; and from her glossy head
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When suddenly is thronged that barren place,
And youthful Bacchus, like a bursting wave
Leaps from his panther car with headlong grace.
—And will his godlike raptures please her more
Than calmer joys her mortal lover gave?
August 20, 1843.
The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | ||