42 
A JEALOUS LOVER 
 
 
A JEALOUS LOVER 
 
I 
 
I have an idol wrought of stainless gold 
Before whose feet I bow, in whose delight 
I am content to live, whose spells of might 
Are smiles that gleam, are tears that glisten cold 
On the fair cheek that blushes if I praise ; 
Are warm ripe kisses in the softer hours  
When love is perfect blossom of sweet flowers, 
Are shadowed glances of pure lovelight rays 
From clear blue eyes, are wonderful caresses 
When love is golden autumn of sweet fruit. 
What other worship can usurp my days 
When I may lie amid her sunny tresses 
Enraptured by the music of her lute 
One long calm love, one heart’s delight always ? 
 
2 
 
Bright spheres of heaven, firefly gleams, fair ghosts 
Laugh lightly to the silver globe of night 
That glitters on green fields, and on the sea