Chapter XXIV

No sooner lip to lip, than we are fraught
With sun-lit fervour that o'erpowers,
As though two gods within us sought
A god-like union in these souls of ours;
Ah, how we feel divinity is near--
Our hearts so freshened by their primal might
Of light,
That in their clarity the universe shines clear.
Ah, joy alone, the ferment of the earth,
Doth bring to life and stir
To far, illimitable birth;
As there above, across the bars
Of heaven, where voyage veils of gossamer,
Are born the myriad-flowering stars.

How for us is design of life profound!
All seems as pure as leaping fire--
Our words so filled with fair desire
We say them o'er to hear them ceaseless sound.
We are the ones, victorious and sublime,
Who seek eternity,
With humble pride;--our love shall ever be
Free from the bonds of time.