Ambition And Love

Sweet, in the golden morning of my days, With young tempestuous joy I reared my head To gaze adown the splendid sunlit ways Where all the fires of fame burned glory red, I recked not where the sounding arches led, Save at the end I gain my august bays.

But as of old, when through the patient night, Fair losing or fair gaining, till the morn, Great Israel strove to break the angel's might, Till spent and failing, in his heavenly scorn, Th' immortal wrestler touched the earthly born, Striking him powerless, winning thus the fight.

So did false Fortune, when I strove and fought, Smiling 'neath half-closed eyelids, when seemed won, For a brief hour, the beckoning goal I sought-- Then with frustrating touch dimmed all my sun Blotted the work and faith so brave begun; But what I gained was none too dearly bought.

I have no wreath to lay before your feet; There shines no future, and the past is dead; But you have heard me, and I love you--Sweet. The low sun crowns with gold your gracious head, The heavy lilies nod upon their bed-- I look at you, and find my life complete.

TO B. D.

Broad browed beneath a cloud of dusky hair Her eyes are midnight seas that never sleep But see beyond the dull world's heavy air The mystery of ages buried deep.

The faint sweet shadows trembling round her mouth Lighten with youth and love the Sphinx's face. And as she moves, a soft wind from the South Floating, flower-laden seems--so sweet her grace.

Aloof she stands, from idle mirth and tears And keeps the white sails of her spirit furled, Altho' a girl, pure from the stain of years, An ancient Egypt, smiling at the world.