39
Nay, start not!—one was Flesh and Blood,
A dainty straight-limbed dame,[1]
That clung to me and sobbed—O God!
Struggling with maiden shame,
She faltered forth her love, and swore—
"On land or sea, thine evermore!"
By Wood, by Water, and by Wind,
Yea, by the blessed light
Of the brave moon, that maiden kind
Eternal faith did plight;
Yea, by the rock on which we stood—
This altar-stone of yore—
That loved one said, "On land or flood,
Thine, thine for evermore!"
The earth reeled round, I gasped for breath,
I loved, and was beloved till death!
I felt upon my brow a kiss,
Upon my cheek a tear;
I felt that now life's sum of bliss
Was more than heart could bear.
- ↑ A dainty well-limbed dame.—MS. copy.
