ZULALIE.

I am the sprite

That reigns at night,

My body is fair for man's delight.

I leap and laugh

As the wine I quaff,

And I am the queen of Astrofelle.

I curse and swear

In my demon-lair;

I shake wild sunbeams out of my hair.

I madden the old,

I gladden the bold,

And I am the queen of Astrofelle.

Of churchyard stone

I have made my throne;

My locks are looped with a dead man's bone.

Mine eyes are red

With the tears I shed,

And I am the queen of Astrofelle.

In cities and camps

I have lighted my lamps,

My kisses are caught by kings and tramps.

With rant and revel

My hair I dishevel,

And I am the queen of Astrofelle.

My kisses are stains,

Mine arms are chains,

My forehead is fair and false like Cain's.

My gain is loss,

Mine honour is dross,—

And I am the queen of Astrofelle!