V
Reading edition
HOW shall I ever thank thee for the boon, Thou wingèd child, that lifted thus my soul, And quenched the thirst for love, that many a bowl Of golden wine had failed, alas! too soon, To satisfy, from eventide to noon? For I, who lingered near some mossy knoll, Received thy love-tipped arrow at its goal; And bare the wound, rejoicing with a tune. Then bind, fair one, with love thy wounded swain. Give him thine eyes, but breathe thy soul as well Into his welcome heart, that beats with pain, Lest it should have an hapless tale to tell. Ah! Spare me that, my love, and in thy train Shall Heaven be wherever thou mayst dwell!