University of Virginia Library


190

SONNET VI
FOR A DREAM

The fiftieth hour has struck!—I know that soon
I part for ever with the strength of youth.
But I part never with the love of truth
Nor with the love of woman, and of June.
I loved the rose at morn, I loved at noon
The rose with heavenlier tints, at close of day
I loved the rose, and till my locks grew grey
Gave all I had to Beauty for a boon.
My song, my toil, my life, my heart I gave:
I worshipped Beauty with a love supreme;
I saw her blue eyes in the summer wave
And kissed her fragrant white limbs in a dream
And, longing ever that sweet dream to save,
Lost for its sake all prizes men esteem.