A WAFT OF PERFUME

A waft of perfume from a bit of lace

Moved lightly by a passing woman's hand;

And on the common street, a sensuous grace

Shone suddenly from some lost time and land.

Tall structures changed to dome and parapet;

The stern-faced Church an oracle became;

In sheltered alcoves marble busts were set;

And on the wall frail Lais wrote her name.

Phryne before her judges stood at bay,

Fearing the rigour of Athenian laws;

Till Hyperides tore her cloak away,

And bade her splendid beauty plead its cause.

Great Alexander walking in the dusk,

Dreamed of the hour when Greek with Greek should meet;

From Thais’ window attar breathed, and musk:

His footsteps went no farther down the street.

Faint and more faint the pungent perfume grew;

Of wall and parapet remained no trace.

Temple and statue vanished from the view:

The city street again was commonplace.