Erotica Romana

<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"></SPAN></p> <h2> XI </h2> <p>Kindling autumnal fire in a rustic, convivial fireplace<br/> <br/> (How the sticks crackle and spew flames and glittering sparks!)<br/> <br/> Strikes me especially pleasant this evening. Before all my tinder<br/> <br/> Dies away into coals, coals then to ashes decline,<br/> <br/> She will be back and new faggots as well as big logs will be blazing,<br/> <br/> Making a festival where lovers will warm up the night.<br/> <br/> Then in the morning, officious, she'll leave the bed of her lover,<br/> <br/> Rouse adroitly the flames out from their ashes anew.<br/> <br/> Cupid has lent to her above others the gift of cajoling<br/> <br/> Up from the ashes desire, just when slumber's begun.<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />