Wreathed in Boughs of Oleander

Under a golden summer sun Down to the field I went Where they say lovers make their vows There I came to repent Under a silver crescent moon Through the dark vale I trod Opposite came a figure cloaked Wielding a blade's facade Under that cursed summer moon Steel slashed through the night What I imagined was a blade, Flowers of moonbeam white Under the clouds that swept the moon I held my lover's hand As the young maiden breathed her last So my tears wet the sand Lay me down in poison flowers Braid the stalks across my brow Let me rest in baneful glamour Cursed to sleep in pest'lent Earth! Under the stars all summer long I returned there to pray Hoping that peace would come to me But shame it would not allay Under the veil of restless sleep Tortured I was by dreams Again and again I slew her Waking I'd hear her screams Under my roof I rotted Wasted to skin and ash Gloom it had turned to anguish Breaking me lash by lash Under the harsh and burning sun I came to mourn my love Driven by guilt I made a vow Of oleander and foxglove By this chalice and this bloom Swear I now to hasten doom Oleander, blood, and wine By this spell by life unwind Death it comes on flowered wings Bitter kiss, endless sleep O! My love! There's no forgiving My grave sin But I must see you again O! My love! I will see you soon