Song

“O Love, thou art winged and swift, Yet stay with me evermore!” And I guarded my house with bolt and bar Lest Love fly forth at the door. Without, in the world, ’t was cold, While Love and I together Laughed and sang by my red hearth-fire, Nor knew it was winter weather. Sweet Love would lull me to sleep, In his tireless arm caressed; His shadowing wings and burning eyes Like night and stars wrought rest. And ever the beat of Love’s heart As a chime rang at my ear; And ever Love’s bending, beautiful face Covered me close from fear. Was it long ere I waked alone? A snow-drift whitened the floor; I saw spent ashes upon my hearth And Death in my open door.