And of a sudden orgiasts are stilled

In wonder, when jet Nubians outpour

The liquid flames instilled from mandragore,

Allured but fearful of their potent sway.

The lantern fruit glow succulent and gay,

Blue-veinÉd grapes in massing pendulous,

Small raisins, oranges acidulous

Contracting eyelids till the features wince,

Towering domes of pineapple and quince,

And apples like a film of virgin’s breath,

Strange berries, (you would think they bleed to death!)

Piled pappy plums opaquely amethyst,

Pink furry peaches like a morning mist,

Green mangoes, mellow apricots of gold,

Figs puffed and oozy, melons crystal-cold,

Red mammals of persimmon from the South

And curious pears that glitter in the mouth,

’Mid Tyrian silk, soft laughter, drapery

Of fine-spun damask gleam white napery

Bedizened bosoms, arms baptismal white.

The guests are surfeited with food, and Night

With Sleep and Lust, her ill-assorted sons,

Creeps through the porphyry pavilions.

“Hither and sing, oh Syrian eunuch-boy,

“Those chaste and still-born songs that never cloy

But we to-day have learned and waxed more wise.

We look into dear Lady Dodo’s eyes

And sip champagne and eat our fricassee,

Discuss her spaniel’s noble pedigree;

We praise the chef. “And what a pretty dress!

Worth, dear, or Callot?” (Christ! what bashfulness).

And if we wish to have a little game,

Beguile the night in homes of evil fame.