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THE VAMPIRE
Published in the U.K. Vanity Fair London, England 14 April 1909 (page 467)
Translated by Aleister Crowley
O Thou, who like a dagger-stroke Art planted in my plaintive heart, Who art come hither, like a flock Of fiends by mad and gilded art
Come, of this dark soul and discrowned To make thy bed and thy domain— Vile wretch to whom my life is bound Even as a convict to his chain,
Even as a gambler to his game, Even as a drunkard to his thirst, Even as a harlot to her shame— Be thou accurst, accurst, accurst!
I prayed the falchion’s fiery craft To win my freedom in a trice; And called the treacherous poison-draught To master my cowardice.
Alas! Alas! disdaining me Both sword and poison mock my mood: “Unworthy! how deliver thee From thine accursed servitude?
“Imbecile! vain thy manhood’s boast! Slew we the fiend and broke the chain, Thy kisses to its bleeding ghost Would bid thy vampire live again!”
Translated by Aleister Crowley. |