Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONGS OF NIGHT TO MORNING: 1. AT THE THEATRE, by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONGS OF NIGHT TO MORNING: 1. AT THE THEATRE, by                    
First Line: Thine eyes are set upon the dancing-girls before thee
Last Line: Thou dost intoxicate both head and heart.
Subject(s): Dancing & Dancers; Love; Music & Musicians; Theater & Theaters; Stage Life


Thine eyes are set upon the dancing-girls before thee:
I only gaze at thee. Then far beyond and o'er thee
My soul-gaze travels far.
I see the moment when thou wilt be crowned with roses
And violets of young love, just when my journey closes
Where flowerless sea-waves watch each flowerless star.

This is the charm and yet the pang,—the gulf betwixt us.
The sorceress, I trow, whose cunning cold hand mixed us
The magic draught we drink
Mixed in it honey and gall. For thee the flowing honey,
So sweet and clear and fresh and bright and golden-sunny;
For me the dark gall when the thick dregs sink.

Thou gazest at the Stage. My fixed looks travel theeward.
Just as a swimmer who makes strong gallant headway seaward
Plunges within the breast
Of some white warm soft wave, my whole soul in thy beauty
Revels and plunges deep,—and clasps the peerless booty,
And in its loveliness finds perfect rest.

Thou art glad at the lights and music. I am gladder
At thee than at all lights and music, and a madder
And wilder tide doth dart
Throughout my veins and nerves, through watching thee, than floweth
Throughout the brain to which the strong red fierce wine goeth;
Thou dost intoxicate both head and heart.





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