Later Sonnets: A Digit of the Moon

THIS book is written for Man's ultimate need.
A creed of joy sent down to the aged Earth
From days of happier daring and more mirth
To comfort and console all hearts that bleed.
Here shall ye find how Love, that mastering weed
Of tropic growth and paradisal power,
Sprang in a night and found its fortunate hour
And was fulfilled of glory, flower, fruit.
A wonder to the Forest. — O ye souls
Of men and women, who on Time's whim wait
Nor clutch her hem when Pleasure turns to flee !
Read of these two, who ill content with doles
Rose in their rage and gave assault to Fate
And won their birth-fruit. Read. Nay, dare it ye !