Chapter I

You kissed me, my head dropped low on your breast,
With a feeling of shelter and infinite rest,
While the holy emotion my tongue dared not speak
Flushed up like a flame from my heart to my cheek!
Your arms held me fast! Oh, your arms were so bold!
Heart responded to heart in that passionate fold!
Your glances seemed drawing my soul through mine eyes,
As the sun draws the mist from the sea to the skies.

And your lips clung to mine till I prayed, in my bliss,
They might never unclasp from that rapturous kiss!
You kissed me! my heart and my breast and my will
In delicious delight for the moment stood still!
Life had for me then no temptations, no charms,
No vista of pleasure outside of your arms!
And were I this moment an angel possessed
Of the glory and peace that belong to the blest,
I would cast my white robes unrepiningly down,
And tear from my forehead its beautiful crown,
To nestle once more in that haven of rest,
With your lips pressed to mine, and my head on your breast!

You kissed me! my soul in a bliss so divine
Reeled and swooned like a man that is drunken with wine!
And I thought, ’twere delicious to die then, if death
Would come while my lips were still moist with your breath!
’Twere delicious to die, if my heart might grow cold
While your arms wrapped me fast in that passionate hold!
And these are the questions I ask day and night:
Must my life taste but once such exquisite delight?
Would you care if my breast were your shelter as then?
And if I were there would you kiss me again?