VI
Reading edition
IS it, in truth, a gift from Heaven’s hand That brings thee hither, loved one, to prepare My heart once more, for something that shall share The worship which thy being would command? Behold me, Venus! Measured in the band Of votaries, at the shrine and in the air Of myrtle boughs and honey-scented hair, That make of Love a pleasing fairy-land! Take me, mine own! But art thou yet mine own, Though on this couch that holds thee I recline, To melt in sadness at thy very frown, And laugh if I but knew that thou wert mine? Then temperance in thy love! My heart, refrain! Let wisdom rule if victory should remain!