LOVE'S USURY

Here count I over all the gentle deeds

Which thou hast done; here summon I thy words,

Sweeter to me than sweetest song of birds;

That came like grace immortal to my needs.

Love's usury has reckoned such a sum

Of my indebtedness, that I can make

No lien large enough to overtake

Its value — and before it I am dumb!

Yet, O my gracious, most kind creditor,

I would not owe to thee one item less

We cannot give the sun requital for

Its liberal light; our office is to bless.

If blessings could be compassed by my prayer,

High heaven should set star-gems in thy hair.