[BNP/E3, 49A1 – 39]

22 May 1907

Lady, believe me who beneath your blouse

The half-betrayed[1] roundness of your breast

While with your breath like a shadow

That in a tumid youth {…} and shows

What it conceals in closest unrest

The heath – life’s essential unrest

And this {…} vision did such thoughts arouse

In my worn brain, {…} and distressed

Then doth my spirit long for a carouse

At that ideal tavern loveliest

Then my desire at length {…} house

And my caresses dreamt desire arrest

[39v]

And, lady, should you think it is impure

To lie thus thinking of your loveliness

Bethink you that of things which are obscure

Perverse and vile is the intense caress

Oh, pity, pity! I can scarce endure

All the vague trouble[2] of a guess

 
[1] The half-betrayed /I do suspect the\
[2] trouble /laying\