Chapter XXVI

When you shall close these eyes of mine to light,
Oh kiss them long--for all that love afire
May hope to give they shall have given you
In that last look of ultimate desire.

Beneath the moveless glow of candle light,
Oh lean to them your face so fain and brave
That on them be impressed this sight alone
That they shall keep forever in the grave.

And may I feel, before the tomb is mine,
Upon the pure, white bed our hands that seek
Each other once again, and near my head
Feel for the last time repose your cheek;

And know that I shall go away with heart
Burning still for you so passionately
That even through the mute and stony earth
The dead themselves shall feel its ardency!