University of Virginia Library


164

SONNET IV
“LOVE'S DESPAIR”

Oh infinite delight when never more
The white seas shine before us on the sand,—
When at the touching of Death's calm sweet hand
Colour forsakes the hills, and light the shore!
Yes: then shall all life's wild fierce pain be o'er.
Nought shall arouse us from our perfect sleep:
At woman's touch no lingering pulse shall leap
Nor at bright Summer's footstep at the door.
Whom woman cannot rouse is more than dead.
Death's infinite peace shall fall upon each soon:
Then in the timeless land where star nor moon
Glitters,—nor rose of white nor rose of red,—
And where no woman's figure thrills the air,
We shall find rest from love,—and love's despair.