III. HER HEAVEN

If to grow old in Heaven is to grow young,

( As the Seer saw and said,) then blest were he

With youth forevermore, whose heaven should be

True Woman, she whom these weak notes have sung.

Here and hereafter,— choir-strains of her tongue,—

Sky-spaces of her eyes,— sweet signs that flee

About her soul's immediate sanctuary,—

Were Paradise all uttermost worlds among.

The sunrise blooms and withers on the hill

Like any hillflower; and the noblest troth

Dies here to dust. Yet shall Heaven's promise clothe

Even yet those lovers who have cherished still

This test for love:— in every kiss sealed fast

To feel the first kiss and forebode the last.