 | Lyrical Poems |  |
163
I'VE MADE A COVENANT WITH MINE EYES.
I've made a covenant with mine eyes
To meet no more thy glances;
Run he whose hand may seize the prize,
Whose speed bright Hope enhances!
But me—I'm sold to stern employ;
I've sworn an oath to Duty,
A soldier's oath; and dare not toy
With tangling nets of Beauty!
To meet no more thy glances;
Run he whose hand may seize the prize,
Whose speed bright Hope enhances!
But me—I'm sold to stern employ;
I've sworn an oath to Duty,
A soldier's oath; and dare not toy
With tangling nets of Beauty!
I've looked on thee too long!—thou hast
A witching spell about thee;
But God hath made me free at last;
Now I can live without thee!
Let every smooth, soft-bearded boy
That flits on wings of leisure,
Taste from thy smiles love's dainty joy!
My work shall be my pleasure.
A witching spell about thee;
But God hath made me free at last;
Now I can live without thee!
164
That flits on wings of leisure,
Taste from thy smiles love's dainty joy!
My work shall be my pleasure.
Then fare thee well!—to grave and gay
Dispense thy charmèd chalice;
Spread harmless pleasures without pay,
Sow sweet harm without malice!
But I, whom thou hadst wounded sore,
The pleasing-painful arrow
Out from my quivering flesh I tore,
And now am healed from sorrow!
Dispense thy charmèd chalice;
Spread harmless pleasures without pay,
Sow sweet harm without malice!
But I, whom thou hadst wounded sore,
The pleasing-painful arrow
Out from my quivering flesh I tore,
And now am healed from sorrow!
| Lyrical Poems | |