The World's Desire

There was born to the world last night 
A woman-child for the world's delight. 
Her mouth was small as a rosebud is 
Before the bee and the blossom kiss; 
Her hair was a cloud and her eyes were fire. 
Her hands were full of delight and desire. 
Her cheek was a rose full blossoming. 
Her voice was honey, her tongue a sting. 

Before the night took thought of the day 
The child was born — with a caul, they say. 
The caul shall serve her in place of a charm, 
That water and fire shall not do her harm. 
The child was born to bring all men grief. 
Hunger and thirsting beyond relief. 
An ill star shone on the bitter morn 
When the mother died and the child was bom. 

She shall be christened with water of tears. 
With doubtful pleasure and trembling fears; 
We will name her Helen, that she shall be 
A warning, a wonder 'twixt sea and sea. 
Though the waves o'erwhelm her, she shall not drown. 
She shall not burn in the burning town: 
Except she burn of her own white fire. 
The world's disaster, the world's desire.