The Oxford Book of Canadian Verse
Poppaea at the TheatreCharles Pelham Mulvaney (18351885)
D
Earth’s gold-dust, and pearls of the sea,—
She is splendid as Rome that was Caesar’s,
And cruel as Rome that was free!
From her porphyry couch let her lean,
With the reek of the circus around her—
Who is centre and soul of the scene;
When he swoops to his prey from on high;
Bold arms by the red gold made regal—
White breast never vexed with a sigh;
Her sires whom the foemen knew well,
As they rode through the grey mist at Cannae,
Ere consul with consular fell.
Heavy limbs and thick tresses uncurled
To our gaze, give the grace and the vigour
Of the race that has conquered the world.
In their sins and their virtues sublime—
Sits the Queen of the world that is Nero’s,
And as keen for a kiss or a crime!
Loses zest as the weaker gives way;
And the victor looks up for her pleasure—
Shall he spare with the sword-point or slay?
Now the hour for the game has gone by;
And those soft arms, so sweet for caresses,
Point prone as she signs, ‘Let him die.’