 | Poems and Sonnets |  |
148
THE PEARL NECKLACE.
What can I give you, sweet? I am but poorAs men count riches, yet I have my pen
That flings aside a ruby now and then,
Or emerald not all unworthy your
Acceptance; seeing I will not endure
With aught save choicest jewels to bedeck
That pure unequalled choicer Parian neck
What gift of passionate sense can I procure?
Well, I will take my heart and string the same
Upon a necklace—lady, will that do?
Each pearl shall be a sonnet, and its hue
The brighter, in that tinged with blood it came,
The clearer, being cleansed in the flame
That burns incessant sacrifice to you.
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