DUM NOS FATA SINUNT, OCULOS SATIEMUS AMORE

We use cookies. Read the Privacy and Cookie Policy

DUM NOS FATA SINUNT, OCULOS SATIEMUS AMORE

Cease smiling, Dear! a little while be sad,

        Here in the silence, under the wan moon;

Sweet are thine eyes, but how can I be glad,

        Knowing they change so soon?

For Love’s sake, Dear, be silent! Cover me

        In the deep darkness of thy falling hair:

Fear is upon me and the memory

        Of what is all men’s share.

O could this moment be perpetuate!

        Must we grow old, and leaden-eyed and gray

And taste no more the wild and passionate

        Love sorrows of to-day?

Grown old, and faded, Sweet! and past desire,

        Let memory die, lest there be too much ruth,

Remembering the old, extinguished fire

        Of our divine, lost youth.

O red pomegranate of thy perfect mouth!

        My lips’ life-fruitage, might I taste and die,

Here in thy garden, where the scented south

        Wind chastens agony;

Reap death from thy live lips in one long kiss,

        And look my last into thine eyes and rest:

What sweets had life to me sweeter than this

        Swift dying on thy breast?

Or, if that may not be, for Love’s sake, Dear!

        Keep silence still, and dream that we shall lie,

Red mouth to mouth, entwined, and always hear

        The south wind’s melody,

Here in thy garden, through the sighing boughs,

        Beyond the reach of time and chance and change,

And bitter life and death, and broken vows,

        That sadden and estrange