And yet I have one plea—I love you so!

And fatuously dreamed that love might win.

For me this old world smiled when you were by;

Life’s circles spread their limits wider yet;

There came no grey train-bearers of regret

To grace the triumph of hypocrisy.

My heart throbbed to the rustle of your dress;

My soul drank in each message of your eyes;

For Love, they say, is all our paradise,

And wanting Love, this life were nothingness.