Part 2 — ANY LOVER, ANY LASS
Reading edition
Why are her eyes so bright, so bright, Why do her lips control The kisses of a summer night, When I would love her soul?
God set her brave eyes wide apart And painted them with fire; They stir the ashes of my heart To embers of desire.
Her lips so tenderly are wrought In so divine a shape, That I am servant to my thought And can no wise escape.
Her body is a flower, her hair About her neck doth play; I find her colors everywhere, They are the pride of day.
Her little hands are soft, and when I see her fingers move I know in very truth that men Have died for less than love.
Ah, dear, live, lovely thing! my eyes Have sought her like a prayer; It is my better self that cries "Would she were not so fair!"
Would I might forfeit ecstasy And find a calmer place, Where I might undesirous see Her too desired face:
Nor find her eyes so bright, so bright, Nor hear her lips unroll Dream after dream the lifelong night, When I would love her soul.
Richard Middleton [1882-1911]