Song

I love my lady’s eyes Above the beauties rare She most is wont to prize, Above her sunny hair, And all that face to face Her glass repeats of grace.

For those are still the same To her and all that see: But oh! her eyes will flame When they do look on me: And so above the rest I love her eyes the best.

Now say, [Say, O say! saith the music] who likes my song?— I knew you by your eyes, That rest on nothing long, And have forgot surprise; And stray [Stray, O stray! saith the music] as mine will stray, The while my love’s away.

17

Since thou, O fondest and truest, Hast loved me best and longest, And now with trust the strongest The joy of my heart renewest;

Since thou art dearer and dearer While other hearts grow colder, And ever, as love is older, More lovingly drawest nearer:

Since now I see in the measure Of all my giving and taking, Thou wert my hand in the making, The sense and soul of my pleasure;

The good I have ne’er repaid thee In heaven I pray be recorded, And all thy love rewarded By God, thy master that made thee.

18

The evening darkens over. After a day so bright The windcapt waves discover That wild will be the night. There’s sound of distant thunder.

The latest sea-birds hover Along the cliff’s sheer height; As in the memory wander Last flutterings of delight, White wings lost on the white.

There’s not a ship in sight; And as the sun goes under Thick clouds conspire to cover The moon that should rise yonder. Thou art alone, fond lover.

19

O youth whose hope is high, Who dost to Truth aspire, Whether thou live or die, O look not back nor tire.

Thou that art bold to fly Through tempest, flood and fire, Nor dost not shrink to try Thy heart in torments dire:

If thou canst Death defy, If thy Faith is entire, Press onward, for thine eye Shall see thy heart’s desire.

Beauty and love are nigh, And with their deathless quire Soon shall thine eager cry Be numbered and expire.