University of Virginia Library


64

LVIII. THE HIGHEST CROWN

The highest anguish wears the highest crown;
The deepest passion brings the best reward.
Woman surrenders to the strongest sword
And lays before that steel her sweet heart down.
Yea, when the leaves of this life wax quite brown
Or pale and sodden, true love 'gins to bloom—
True love's pure petals sweetliest o'er the tomb
Wave: then begins love's golden glad renown.
When the grave closes all love's blossoms bright
Tenderly tremble,—stretching towards the light
The pure smooth petals, yea the firm long leaves:
When life is stripped off like a raiment rent
Love glows and blows, eternally content,
And passion's hand ingathers lustrous sheaves.