University of Virginia Library


58

BACK TO THEE

Back, Gertrude, back to thee my spirit doth come.
After long weary days of common things,
Again thy fair abode on gladdened wings
I seek: my restful and eternal home.
Again our passion suns itself and sings
Beneath the blue of heaven's loftiest dome;
I must return, however far I roam,
For all thy mystic power about me clings.
Weary with labour, and misunderstood
Of all I meet, sweet lady, unto thee
I come: divinely sweet, divinely good
Thou art. Oh, bear my burden, set me free
From all the dreary daily common round:
Touch me with flower-sweet lips—lo! I am crowned.