2. THE GOBLET OF MY HEART.
O, in how anxious wise my peaceful heart I bear,
O, with what boundless dread I bear it on through life!
I shun the road whereon fierce battle has its lair,
I shun the sloping path, where jeopardy is rife.
But for such care as this I gave it soothing calm,
And for its sake I gaired a shelter from such care,
A haven from all torment, silence, peaceful balm.
O, in how anxious wise my peaceful heart I bear.
How anxiously I bear my goblet, crystal wrought,
With it how fearfully my peaceful way I go,
Far from carouses, where in burning pangs distraught,
Revellers pledge a health from cups that overflow,
Sadness has gnawed therein a rent for evermore,
But for such care I slowly, patiently have brought
The wine of tears, my heart's-blood, which therein I pour. . .
How anxiously I bear my goblet crystal-wrought!
1. THE ARTIST TO THE WOMAN.
Thou art my harp! Beneath the spell I shed
Thou dost intone an anthem golden-strained,
And thou art all in harmony contained,
Of song the living spring and fountain-head.
