AMOR UMBRATILIS

A gift of Silence, sweet! Who may not ever hear: To lay down at your unobservant feet, Is all the gift I bear.

I have no songs to sing, That you should heed or know: I have no lilies, in full hands, to fling Across the path you go.

I cast my flowers away, Blossoms unmeet for you! The garland I have gathered in my day: My rosemary and rue.

I watch you pass and pass, Serene and cold: I lay My lips upon your trodden, daisied grass, And turn my life away.

Yea, for I cast you, sweet! This one gift, you shall take: Like ointment, on your unobservant feet, My silence, for your sake.