Xii

At that time when in loneliness I stood, And desolation deep within me froze My life, you shone from out the multitude-- A glowing window on a winter eve Across the windy surface of the snows. Your piteous heart brought sweet reprieve, Caressingly, to me in need, Like breath of spring from off some warmèd mead. And faith did then command That frankness, tenderness and troth Should dwell with friendly hand in hand Within the wind-hushed stillness of us both. Since then, though summer melts the winter cold Within, and under skies whose leaping fire Designs with gold All the winding pathways of our thought; Though flaming love itself is brought To far-flung blossoms of desire, That endlessly, to gain in might, Seek endless birth anew; Always I look to that dear light Whose sweetness first I knew.