THIRD OPAL

He won her love; and so this opal sings

With all its tints in maze, that seem to quake

And leap in light, as if its heart would break:

Gleam of the sea,

Translucent air,

Where every leaf alive with glee

Glows in the sun without shadow of grief —

You speak of spring,

When earth takes wing

And sunlight, sunlight is everywhere!

Radiant life,

Face so fair —

Crowned with the gracious glory of wife —

Your glance lights all this happy day,

Your tender glow

And murmurs low

Make miracle, miracle, everywhere.

Earth takes wing

With birds — do I care

Whether of sorrow or joy they sing?

No; for they make not my life nor destroy!

My soul awakes

At a smile that breaks

In sun; and sunlight is everywhere!

Then dawned a mood of musing thoughtfulness;

As if he doubted whether he could bless

Her wayward spirit, through each fickle hour,

With love's serenity of flawless power,

Or she remain a vision, as when first

She came to soothe his fancy all athirst.