IV. FROM * * *

Within the kingdom of my Soul I bid you enter, Love, to-day; Submit my life to your control, And give my Heart up to your sway.

My Past, whose light and life is flown, Shall live through memory for you still; Take all my Present for your own, And mould my Future to your will.

One only thought remains apart, And will for ever so remain; There is one Chamber in my heart Where even you might knock in vain.

A haunted Chamber:- long ago I closed it, and I cast the key Where deep and bitter waters flow, Into a vast and silent sea.

Dear, it is haunted. All the rest Is yours; but I have shut that door For ever now. 'Tis even best That I should enter it no more.

No more. It is not well to stay With ghosts; their very look would scare Your joyous, loving smile away— So never try to enter there.

Check, if you love me, all regret That this one thought remains apart:- Now let us smile, dear, and forget The haunted Chamber in my Heart.