Skip to content
1865–1940

Love and the Maidens

Laurence Alma-Tadema

He seemed asleep; his wings were wet With dew; he lay among the flowers, Sweeter than Spring; his radiant curls With primrose and with violet

Were crowned; and in a silent ring the girls Watched, all an April morning's misty hours.... Not one dared wake him — yet each breast Yearned to be pillow to a thing

So fair.‘ How will he smile?’ thought they, ‘ In waking?...’ But between them pressed One who with laughter bore the rogue away, Ere they had touched a feather of his wing.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.