THE JOYOUS LOVER

O, now that I am free as the air

And fleet as clouds above,

I will wander everywhere

Over the ways I love.

Lightly, lightly will I pass

Nor scatter as I go

A shadow on the blowing grass

Or a footprint in the snow.

All the wild things of the wood

That once were timid and shy

They shall not flee their solitude

For fear, when I pass by;

And beauty, beauty, the wide world over,

Shall blush when I draw near:

She knows her lover, the joyous lover,

And greets him without fear.

But if I come to the dark room

From which our love hath fled

And bend above you in the gloom

Or kneel beside your bed,

Smile soft in your sleep, my beautiful one,

For if you should say‘ Nay’

To the dream which visiteth you alone,

My joy would wither away.