The Wife Of Palissy

Yes, you have it; I can see. Beautiful?... Dear, look at me! Look and let my shame confess Triumph after weariness. Beautiful? Ah, yes.

Lift it where the beams are bright; Hold it where the western light, Shining in above my bed, Throws a glory on your head, Now it is all said.

All there was for me to say From the first until to-day. Long denied and long deferred, Now I say it in one word-- Now; and you have heard.

Life would have its way with us, And I’ve called it glorious: For I know the glory now And I read it on your brow. You have shown me how.

I can feel your cheeks all wet, But your eyes will not forget: In the frown you cannot hide I can read where faith and pride Are not satisfied.

But the word was, two should live: Two should suffer--and forgive: By the steep and weary way, For the glory of the clay, Two should have their day.

We have toiled and we have wept For the gift the gods have kept: Clashing and unreconciled When we might as well have smiled, We have played the child.

But the clashing is all past, And the gift is yours at last. Lift it--hold it high again!... Did I doubt you now and then? Well, we are not men.

Never mind; we know the way,-- And I do not need to stay. Let us have it well confessed: You to triumph, I to rest. That will be the best.