LXXIII
Reading edition
WHILE thou art near to me, my spirit’s bride Art thou. No mortal can possess thee now, Loved inspiration of my life! I trow Thou lovest me while we are side by side. No sorrow surely will this eve betide. Love’s heaven only our two hearts shall know, And for one hour leave life gladly so, As o’er the surface of love’s lake we glide. Ah, loved one! An emotion my heart swelleth, Even as I worship at thy sacred shrine, Which is the noblest life hath brought to me; So great, so holy, that no pen e’er telleth, Till God hath given man a sight of thee, And shown him one who seemeth half divine!