THE FIRST DAY 
 
“ Who ever loved that loved not at first sight ? ” 
As You Like It. 
 
The waving surf shone from the Peaceful Sea. 
Young palms embowered the house where Beauty sate 
Still but exultant, silent but elate 
In its own happiness and majesty 
Of a mild soul unstirred by rivalry 
Of any life beyond its own sweet state. 
I looked around me, wondered whether Fate 
Had found at last a woman’s love for me. 
 
I had no hope :  she was so grave and calm, 
So shining with the dew-light of her soul, 
So beautiful beyond a woman’s share. 
Yet—here !  Soft airs, and perfume through the palm, 
And moonlight in the groves of spice, control 
The life that would not love and yet be fair. 
 
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