University of Virginia Library


246

VI.

“Yea, now I come, love, to be thine for ever:
No more to part, but through the wondrous night
To touch thee with my lips, too fond to sever,
Once having touched, and with my sacred white
Glory of womanhood thy pure delight
To be—see how the stars in sacred gladness
Share now our joy with countless glances bright!
Cast off thy past immeasurable sadness!
And reach thine hand forth and take tender hold
Of mine hand, husband—husband from of old;
And lead me into regions never seen
Of mortals, where we rule as king and queen:
Cling to me—burn throughout me with thy face,
And strong keen lips on mine no less keen place!”