To One Far Away

Swifter far than swallow's flight,
Homeward o'er the twilight lea;
Swifter than the morning light,
Flashing o'er the pathless sea,
Dearest! in the lonely night
Memory flies away to thee!
Stronger far than is desire;
Firm as truth itself can be;
Deeper than earth's central fire;
Boundless as the circling sea;
Yet as mute as broken lyre,
Is my love, dear wife, for thee!
Sweeter far than miser's gain,
Or than note of fame can be
Unto one who long in vain
Treads the paths of chivalry —
Are my dreams, in which again
My fond arms encircle thee!