University of Virginia Library


214

SONNET II
THE HIGHEST LOVE

There never should be bitter words or pain
Between a lover and a loving soul.
From the first starting to the faint far goal
Dimly descried on Time's eternal plain
—The goal where white-peaked mountains soar and reign
And where the far-off mountain-thunders roll—
From love's beginning till death maketh whole
Or sundereth, there should be not one tear-stain.
It is within the reach of human hearts
To love and love, and never to bring grief.
The wild and passionate love that carries darts
Within its love and thorns on its rose-leaf
Pales out beside the love whose heart can say
“Love's last is sweeter than love's sweet first day.”