Poem by James Joyce

Chamber Music. 27. Though I Thy Mithridates Were

Though I thy Mithridates were,
    Framed to defy the poison-dart,
Yet must thou fold me unaware
    To know the rapture of thy heart,
And I but render and confess
The malice of thy tenderness.

For elegant and antique phrase,
    Dearest, my lips wax all too wise;
Nor have I known a love whose praise
    Our piping poets solemnize,
Neither a love where may not be
Ever so little falsity.

1. Watching the Needleboats at San Sabba
2. Chamber Music. 25. Lightly Come or Lightly Go
3. On the Beach at Fontana
4. Chamber Music. 21. He Who Hath Glory Lost, Nor Hath
5. Chamber Music. 11. Bid Adieu, Adieu, Adieu

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