INSTABILITY
Reading edition
FROM THE SPANISH.—SIXTEENTH CENTURY
"Como estoy alegre Tristezas temo."
WHEN the day is brightest, Darkness draweth near; When the heart is lightest, Coming grief I fear.
Eyes of heavenly splendour, Radiance o'er me fling; But when their light's most tender I fear its vanishing.
Lips, where passion keepeth Holiest incense, bend to mine; But when woman speaketh, Who would trust so false a shrine?
Even in twined caresses Where love has woven his spells, Of the mutual love that blesses, I hear a voice which tells.
As light with darkness weddeth, So must pleasure with annoy, And sorrow ever treadeth On the doomed path of joy.