O. Henry Encore — Cape Jessamines
Cape Jessamines "Cape jessamines!
Remove them from my sight!
I can not bear that odor, cloying sweet, That hangs about them like a heavy sigh.
They bring back to my memory haunting days Of deep regret, and open all my wounds again.
Fair, dream-like flower, that in this Southern town Within the dark green copses of thy birth Hangeth faint and heavy with thine own sweet breath, To me ye are a mockery, and your odor foul.
Come, sit thee down, Rinaldo, I will tell thee all.
Knewest thou fair Rosamond, the Houston belle, Who years ago, like some fair Lorelei of old Upon the hearts of all our gallants set her feet?
I loved her madly and I swore to win Her from the suing courtiers in her train.
Alas!
Rinaldo--this sudden faintness--quick--some wine!
Ah!
thanks, it gives me strength to tell the tale.
For years I have not been myself.
Since one Sad night that in my mem'ry burns white-hot Like some sad bark that washes, derelict Within the trough of sullen alien tides, I've drifted down the mournful muttering seas;
But at the smell of jessamines, my brain Quick strikes those aching chords of old, And all the latest agony revives.
It grasps me now--more wine, Rinaldo--thanks;
I'm better now.
'Twas on one summer's night I stood with Rosamond to count the stars.
With downcast eyes and softly heaving breast, She pledged a kiss for every star that fell.
My pretty, sweet, shy dove.
Methinks they fell Too seldom till, anon, some frolic boys Sent up a sky rocket, and when it burst Upon her lips I pressed full seventeen.
But--peace!
I wander from my theme.
At last my love o'erpowered, and I spake In thrilling tones, and wooed her there.
What clogs my heart?
More wine, Rinaldo, quick!
Oh, then she fastened on me those dark orbs, In them illimitable sadness, and such store Of pity that her face angelic seemed.
More wine, Rinaldo--thanks.
I'm better now.
The while the garden there was heavy with The odor of cape jessamines, and pinned Upon her breast a cluster of them lay.
And in her hair some snowy buds were twined;
Almost oppressive was the odor of the flower.
And that is why the smell of jessamines Unto my heart such bitter thoughts recalls.
Rinaldo, quick!
A glass of wine!
My brain Is reeling!
Another glass!
Is there no more?
Well, then, I'll cease.
I married Rosamond And since then I can't stand those blooming Blarsted cape jessamine flowers.
See?"
(_Houston Daily Post_, Sunday morning, April 26, 1896. )
