Shouldst Thou Consent
Thou knowest, Lord, that my desire
Is to be thine indeed;
Though thou, alas, of love or me
Hast neither note nor need.
Ah, though thou canst not give thyself
My longing to allay,
Yet grant me some small privilege
To take my pain away.
If once thy lips were laid on mine
(Canst thou not spare me this?)
I could enchant myself in dreams
With memories of thy kiss.
What is a small caress to thee?
Given,—forgotten quite,—
But unto me, shouldst thou consent,
An infinite delight!
The Gods who send the sacred flame
Upon the altar pyre
Remain afar, serenely calm
Untroubled by desire.
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