How One Chose

Beyond the sea, in a green land
Where only rivers are --
Beyond the clouds, in the clear sky

Close by some quiet star --
Could you not fancy there might be
A home, Beloved, for you and me?"

"If there were such a home, my Friend,
Truly prepared for us.
Full of palm-branches or of crowns.

Sun-gemmed and glorious,
How should we reach it? Let us cease
From longing; let us be at peace."

"The nightingale sang yestereve;
A sweet song singeth she,
Most sad and without any hope,

And full of memory;
But still methought it seemed to speak
To me of home, and bid me seek"

"The nightingale ceased ere the morn:
Her heart could not contain
The passion of her song, but burst

With the loud throbbing pain.
Now she hath rest which is the best,
And now I too would be at rest."

"Last night I watched the mounting moon:
Her glory was too pale
To shine through the black heavy clouds

That wrapt her like a veil;
And yet with patience she passed through
The mists, and reached the depths of blue."

"And when the road was travelled o'er
And when the goal was won,
A little while and all her light

Was swallowed by the sun:
The weary moon must seek again, --
Even so our search would be in vain."

"Yet seek with me. And if our way
Be long and troublesome.
And if our noon be hot until

The chilly shadows come
Of evening, -- till those shadows flee
In dawn, think, Love, it is with me."

"Nay seek alone: I am no mate
For such as you, in truth:
My heart is old before its time;

Yours yet is in its youth:
This home with pleasures girt about
Seek you, for I am wearied out."