MARK AND PERPETUA

Sing we the beauty of life,
Thrilling the vigorous body!
Supreme glory of earth!
Joy of the senses, mouth
Of woman to quench man's thirst,
Bosom erect and soft
Made for his eyes and touch,
Voice cool like a stream
Refreshing his arid soul!
Song of the nightingale
In the willows by the brook,
Roses, roses and jasmine
Woven in flowing hair!
Then... sea, and ruddy shore,
Meadows, woods, mountains,
Stars above them all...
These exist for the sake
Of man and woman made one.
Nature were deaf and blind
Bereft of human desire;
Mute, chaotic, dead,
Apart from two youthful lovers.
Oh ecstasy of the senses!
Oh body, temple of Beauty!