White Stains

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