If every rose that ever blew, All fragrant with the breath of Spring, Were here, aglow with sun and dew, With ardent petals shimmering— What would their beauty count to me, Have I not lived to look on thee? If every note of music born, Each wistful cadence low and sweet, Were all combined from night till dawn To render melody complete— Why should my throbbing sense rejoice That once has listened to thy voice? Nor do I think that Paradise Could dim with raptured awe my gaze, Unfolding to my dazzled eyes— The marvel of untrodden ways; For know I not of Heaven a part Since I have found thy living heart? XI Oh, my beloved! though I live A thousand years upon the earth, And though each pleasure take its birth From me; though it be mine to give all Rapture, every thrill and joy Known unto gods; though I destroy All ills, and overcome e'en death Within the vapour of a breath, That from thy lips passed into mine, Fire-tipped, of earth, yet all divine Would be contained more ecstasy, To chain the soul eternally With fetters woven of thy kiss— Than in Mahomet's realms of bliss— Nay more—of Heaven I ask but this. XII Over the silent waters Flashes the beacon light, Sharp as a strong, white dagger Cleaving the breast of Night. Beacon of hope and safety! See, we are near the land, Come and stand close beside me, Give me your dear, white hand. Here in the wind and darkness, Under the sighing mast, Let us forget the future Let us condone the past. God in His high, blue Heaven, Counting the falling tears, Grants us this fleeting present, Out of the endless years. XIII The land! The land! it is the end Of all my dreams; the sudden bend Along the road, and face to face I stand with some deserted place, Where Death, and Darkness grow apace. The land! The land! with beating heart I am awake, alone, apart; To gaze upon the nearing shore, And know that all that's gone before Means nothing to you any more. The land! The land! Oh, blessed sea! Lift up your arms and cover me; One long caress upon your breast! You know me, I have stood confessed Before you, now I fain would rest. XIV Oh, Time! There's much I could forgive; E'en though you told me that to live Another hour it was denied, I think I'd lay my life aside With few regrets, and scarce a sigh, It would not be so hard to die. But like a thief steals in the night, You robbed me; what was mine by right Your ruthless hands have snatched away; The passions that were yesterday You've cankered with your deadly rust, And turned a living heart to dust. XV