Chapter LV

Thou knowest that I know that thou dost know
How, to enjoy thee, I did come more near.
Thou knowest, I know thou knowest--I am here.
Would we had given our greetings long ago.
If true the hope thou hast to me revealed,
If true the plighting of a sacred troth,
Let the wall fall that stands between us both,
For griefs are doubled when they are concealed.
If, loved one,--if I only loved in thee
What thou thyself dost love,--'tis to this end
The spirit with his belovéd is allied.
The things thy face inspires and teaches me
Mortality doth little comprehend.
Before we understand we must have died.