Chamber Music by James Joyce

Chamber Music — XXVII

Though I thy Mithridates were,     Framed to defy the poison-dart, Yet must thou fold me unaware     To know the rapture of thy heart, And I but render and confess The malice of thy tenderness.

For elegant and antique phrase,     Dearest, my lips wax all too wise; Nor have I known a love whose praise     Our piping poets solemnize, Neither a love where may not be Ever so little falsity.

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