Chapter XIV

It is now fifteen years that we have thought as one;
And that our passion clear has conquered habitude,
Such as is wont to injure the most tenacious love
With unremitting stress of wasteful hands and rude.

And when I look at you I make discoveries,
Such is the intimacy your pride and sweetness bring;
And time, though it has somewhat obscured your loveliness,
Exalts your heart whose golden depths are opening.

Naively now you let its hidden depths be searched,
Your soul yet always seems as fresh as kindled fire;
And, like an eager ship with wind-swept masts, our joy
Voyages upon the seas of our desire.
Within ourselves alone we anchor all our faith
To naked frankness and to high benevolence;
And we work and live forever in the light
Of a joyous and translucent confidence.

You have the strength of frailty and infinite purity
To walk the sombre roadways, your heart in aureole,
And to have cherished dearly in spite of mist or shade,
All the rays of morning in your childlike soul.