XLV.

1.

While Septimius in his arms his Acme Fondled closely, 'My own,' said he, 'my Acme,

If I love not as unto death, nor hold me Ever faithfully well-prepar'd to largest Strain of fiery wooer yet to love thee, 5

Then in Libya, then may I alone in Burning India face a sulky lion.'

Scarce he ended, upon the right did eager Love sneeze amity; 'twas before to leftward.

2.

Acme quietly back her head reclining 10 Towards her boy, with a rosy mouth delightful Kissed his passionate eyes elately swimming,

Then 'Septimius, O my life' she murmur'd, 'So may he that is in this hour ascendant

Rule us ever, as in me burns a greater 15 Fire, a fiercer, in every vein triumphing.'

Scarce she ended, upon the right did eager Love sneeze amity; 'twas before to leftward.

3.

So, that augury joyous each possessing, Loves, is lov'd with an even emulation. 20

Poor Septimius, all to please his Acme, Recks not Syria, recks not any Britain.

In Septimius only faithful Acme Makes her softnesses, holds her happy pleasures.

When did mortal on any so rejoicing 25 Look, on union hallow'd as divinely?