Only, the blossom he coveteth much,
Is one that shineth as distant as sweet.

Only, a bird may fly helplessly near,
Chirping aloud in a manner too free;
Only, the bird he delighteth to hear,
Sings from the far-away top of a tree.

Is it for this he first fancied me, then?
He to whom earth her allegiance brings,
Noblest of nobles, a king among men,
Hero of heroes! a god among kings!

'Twill be very nice to be very old,
And with wrinkled brows and eyes that are dim,
To sit by the fire and in dreams behold
The face of the child that was woo'd by him.

Eve in her Eden, belov'd and preferr'd,
Sun, moon, and stars for her benefit made,
Bright as a blossom and gay as a bird,
Earth at her feet like a pleasure-ground laid;

All things about her benignant and fair--
Was she of Adam an actual part?
Love shining over her everywhere--
Had he no trouble in winning her heart?

Born with a mind even Kant must admit
Had no antecedents for doubt or regret,