59. The Second Dance Song
1.
"INTO thy eyes gazed I lately, O Life: gold saw I gleam in your night-eyes,- my heart stood still with delight:
-A golden bark saw I gleam on darkened waters, a sinking, drinking, reblinking, golden swing-bark!
At my dance-frantic foot, do you cast a glance, a laughing, questioning, melting, thrown glance:
Twice only moved you your rattle with your little hands- then did my feet swing with dance-fury.-
My heels reared aloft, my toes they hearkened,- you they would know: has not the dancer his ear- in his toe!
To you did I spring: then fled you back from my bound; and towards me waved your fleeing, flying tresses round!
Away from you did I spring, and from your snaky tresses: then stood you there half-turned, and in your eye caresses.
With crooked glances- do you teach me crooked courses; on crooked courses learn my feet- crafty fancies!
I fear you near, I love you far; your flight allures me, your seeking secures me:- I suffer, but for you, what would I not gladly bear!
For you, whose coldness inflames, whose hatred misleads, whose flight enchains, whose mockery- pleads:
-Who would not hate you, you great bindress, in-windress, temptress, seekress, findress! Who would not love you, you innocent, impatient, wind-swift, child-eyed sinner!
Where pull you me now, you paragon and tomboy? And now fool you me fleeing; you sweet romp does annoy!
