noon
After a little while , the goblet was exhausted , a warmer hue came into her velvet cheeks , a brighter spark danced in her azure eyes , and as she motioned the Ionian slave-girl to replenish the cup and place it on the tripod at her elbow , she murmured in a low languid tone , `` Sing to me , now -- sing to me , Ægle . '' And in obedience to her word the lovely girl bent her fair form over the lute , and , after a wild prelude full of strange thrilling melodies , poured out a voice as liquid and as clear , aye ! and as soft , withal , as the nightingale 's , in a soft Sapphic love-strain full of the glorious poetry of her own lovely language . Where in umbrageous shadow of the greenwood Buds the gay primrose i ' the balmy spring time ; Where never silent , Philomel , the wildest Minstrel of ether , Pours her high notes , and caroling , delighted In the cool sun-proof canopy of the ilex Hung with ivy green or a bloomy dog-rose Idly redundant , Charms the fierce noon with melody ; in the moonbeam Where the coy Dryads trip it unmolested All the night long , to merry dithyrambics Blissfully timing Their rapid steps , which flit across the knot grass Lightly , nor shake one flower of the blue-bell ; Where liquid founts and rivulets o ' silver Sweetly awaken Clear forest echoes with unearthly laughter ; There will I , dearest , on a bank be lying Where the wild thyme blows ever , and the pine tree Fitfully murmurs Slumber inspiring . Come to me , my dearest , On the fresh greensward , as a downy bride-bed , Languid , unzoned , and amorous , reclining ; Like Ariadne , When the blythe wine-God , from Olympus hoary , Wooed the soft mortal tremulously yielding All her enchantments to the mighty victor -- Happy Ariadne ! There will I , dearest , every frown abandon ; Nor do thou fear , nor hesitate to press me , Since , if I chide , ’t is but a girl 's reproval , Faintly reluctant . Doubt not I love thee , whether I return thy Kisses in delight , or avert demurely Lips that in truth burn to be kissed the closer , Eyes that avoid thee , Loth to confess how amorously glowing Pants the fond heart .