Chapter XV

Dost have no heart, sweet one, to visibly
Perceive the romance of my life’s desire,
To formally within thy breast inspire
That reverence for love, which is to me
The holiest element ’twixt those who see
The spiritual, earthly things attire?
Thus, in my longing soul, I would aspire
To capture thy fair being finally.
Ah! may that day be mine, before life’s morning
Ends, all too soon, the power to attain
By physical endearment thy sweet soul:
Thy heart my own, and mine thy life adorning
With all the gifts of love, that appertain
To the ideal of love’s own sacred goal!