The Quest

Upon my lips there fell, when first the Night 1Pales in the highest heaven, seeing Day 1Far down the fathomless Eastern depths a way— Pales with a fearful joy, a dread delight— Upon my lips, with wakeful watching white 1There fell a kiss. One instant's space it lay 1Soft as a rose-leaf that the West-winds fray, And then my eyes awoke to dazzled sight.

The warmth, the tender, impact and the thrill 1Burnt on my lips, and the calm pulse of Sleep 2Awoke and quivered quick in soft surprise. From that day forward knew I Love! 15And still 1By day I search, and nightly vigil keep 2For Her revealed to me in such strange wise.