"WHAT DO I WISH FOR YOU?"
Reading edition
What do I wish for you? Such swift, keen pain As though all griefs that human hearts have known Were joined in one to wound and tear your own. Such joy as though all heaven had come again Into your earth, and tears that fall like rain, And all the roses that have ever blown, The sharpest thorn, the sceptre and the throne, The truest liberty, the captive's chain. Cruel, you say? Alas! I've only prayed Such fate for you as everywhere, above All others, women wish,—that unafraid They clasp in eager arms. So, little dove, I give you to the hawk. Nay, nay, upbraid Me not. Have you not longed for love?
Carlotta Perry.