University of Virginia Library


xxxvii

LOVE'S SINGER. IV. The Promise

What shall I make of my life, Dear? what shall I bring to you,
Flower of fair colour, song of tremulous sweep?
Bird that o'er waters of tears on a faithful wing to you
Finds out her way, with a roseleaf for you to keep?
Shell in whose chamber remembered waves shall sing to you
Chimes of sleep?
Bird that homes to you, song that shall sigh and sing to you,
Flower that knoweth its passion, and knoweth not doubt,
Shell that whispers a musical memory out?
Nay, I will make of my life a more lovely thing to you,
Passionate hands, my Heart, that shall clasp you and cling to you,
Daylight and dreaming, living and dying throughout.