Sails like a rainbow bubble on the wind,

Now high, now low, before us or behind;

And only when our fingers grasp the prize,

Changes his form and swiftly vanishes.

“Then best not love,” she said.

Dear child, there is no better and no best;

Love comes not, bides not at thy slight behest.

As well might thy frail fingers seek to stay

The march of waves in yonder land-locked bay,

As stem the surging tide which ebbs and fills