University of Virginia Library


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XIII. “I PRAISED THE LORD OF LOVE”

I

I praised the Lord of love who made the world of roses
For his own heart to seek:
Then gave me one white rose that blossoms and uncloses,—
Thy cheek against my cheek!

II

I praised the Lord who made the soft night fall around me,—
Made star-hosts wax and flee:
Then, since he needed song, with song's wild passion crowned me,—
And with one star-love,—thee!

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III

I praised the Lord who heard the laughter of his daughters
And of the leaves o'the pine
And of the silver-voiced and multitudinous waters:
Then gave me one laugh,—thine!

IV

I praised the Lord who saw the wild wind like a lover
Laughing for very bliss
Fondle the dainty heads of countless cliff-top clover:
Then gave me thy one kiss!