THE CROWN OF LIFE

By Nawab Nizamat Jung Bahadur

I know not what Love is,— a memory

Of Heav'n once known,— a yearning for some goal

That shines afar,— a dream that doth control

The spirit, shadowing forth what is to be.

But this I know, my heart hath found in thee

The crown of life, the glory of the soul,

The healing of all strife, the making whole

Of my imperfect being,— yea, of me!

For to mine eyes thine eyes, through Love, reveal

The smile of God; to me God's healing breath

Comes through thy hallowed lips whose pray'r is Love.

Thy touch gives life! And oh, let me but feel

Thy hovering hand my closing eyes above,—

Then, then, my soul will triumph over Death.