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The Chained Muse
The Chained Muse
That Fair Temple on the Hill & Moon Jar

That Fair Temple on the Hill & Moon Jar

By Stewart Burke

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David Gosselin
Jul 07, 2025
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The Chained Muse
That Fair Temple on the Hill & Moon Jar
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Featured in New Lyre Spring-Summer 2025

That Fair Temple on the Hill

If you take the tonsure I’ll know you still
by the starred anise scent of your sachet.
Unveiled be that fair temple on the hill.

Though for some shorn tresses may passion kill,
love’s vessel is fired in smoothness of clay:
if you take the tonsure I’ll know you still.

New orders are most devout; one does thrill
to the sight of the Pure Land so near this way.
Unveiled be that fair temple on the hill.

Yet, if your habit’s nap roughens I will
persist, and through gorse and defile essay.
If you take the tonsure I’ll know you still;

But, if you your vows renounce, unfulfilled,
I’ll anoint with mine oil your dark array.
Unveiled be that fair temple on the hill?

I love as Heaven’s rays those byssus stays
which cling to ardor’s nacreous rim, but pray,
if you take the tonsure I’ll know you still.
Unveiled be that fair temple on the hill.

New Lyre - Spring-Summer 2025 (Issue 7)

David Gosselin
·
Jun 2
New Lyre - Spring-Summer 2025 (Issue 7)

We’re happy to announce the release of our New Lyre - Spring/Summer 2025 issue! This marks the seventh issue, and it should keep readers busy for a good part of the summer. As always, the entire New Lyre vault can be accessed here.

Read full story

The Garden of Lonely Pleasure, Silver Salver, Golden Chalice & Hope Is an Encrusted Anchor

David Gosselin
·
November 21, 2023
The Garden of Lonely Pleasure, Silver Salver, Golden Chalice & Hope Is an Encrusted Anchor

Featured in New Lyre Summer 2023. Paid subscribers can download the full issue at the bottom of this page.

Read full story

Moon Jar

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