“COULD I BUT WILL”

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!”

Even half-god power

In spinning dooms

Had I, this frozen scene should flower,

And sand-swept plains and Arctic glooms

Should green them gay with waving leaves,

Mid which old friends and I would walk

With weightless feet and magic talk

Uncounted eves.