 | Poetical Works of Lionel Johnson |  |
229
VINUM DAEMONUM
To Stephen Phillips.
The crystal flame, the ruby flame,
Alluring, dancing, revelling!
See them: and ask me not, whence came
This cup I bring.
Alluring, dancing, revelling!
See them: and ask me not, whence came
This cup I bring.
But only watch the wild wine glow,
But only taste its fragrance: then,
Drink the wild drink I bring, and so
Reign among men.
But only taste its fragrance: then,
Drink the wild drink I bring, and so
Reign among men.
Only one sting, and then but joy:
One pang of fire, and thou art free.
Then, what thou wilt, thou canst destroy:
Save only me!
One pang of fire, and thou art free.
Then, what thou wilt, thou canst destroy:
Save only me!
Triumph in tumult of thy lust:
Wanton in passion of thy will:
Cry Peace! to conscience, and it must
At last be still.
Wanton in passion of thy will:
Cry Peace! to conscience, and it must
At last be still.
I am the Prince of this World: I
Command the flames, command the fires.
Mine are the draughts, that satisfy
This World's desires.
Command the flames, command the fires.
Mine are the draughts, that satisfy
This World's desires.
Thy longing leans across the brink:
Ah, the brave thirst within thine eyes!
For there is that within this drink,
Which never dies.
Ah, the brave thirst within thine eyes!
For there is that within this drink,
Which never dies.
1893.
| Poetical Works of Lionel Johnson | |