Page:Late lyrics and earlier, with many other verses (IA latelyricsearlie00hardiala).pdf/187

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"COULD I BUT WILL"

(Song: Verses I, 3, key major; verse 2, key minor)


COULD I but will,
Will to my bent,
I'd have afar ones near me still,
And music of rare ravishment,
In strains that move the toes and heels!
And when the sweethearts sat for rest
The unbetrothed should foot with zest
Ecstatic reels.

Could I be head,
Head-god, "Come, now,
Dear girl," I'd say, "whose flame is fled,
Who liest with linen-banded brow,
Stirred but by shakes from Earth's deep core—
I'd say to her: "Unshroud and meet
That Love who kissed and called thee Sweet!—
Yea, come once more!"

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