The love that knows no doubting! Well he knew—

Too well for his fond hopes—that brawny arms

Guide not the pencil, and that smithy strokes

Fix not the fancies of a painter’s mind;

But still for that. To gaze into the eyes

That sparkled all for him was inspiration

Better than painter’s best: long days and nights

He strove as only lovers strive; at last

The passport to the haven of his hopes

Came in a touch, as if some angel hand