Love's Dread

EYES, but for you I had not seen
Her motion, grace, and lovely mien!
Ears, but for you I had not heard
Her voice that spake no loveless word !
And Touch, thou mad’st me understand
Her lips’ delight, her soothing hand !

I thank ye for each message brought,
I thank ye for each beauty taught;

But oh, for senses trustier
To give me true reports of her,

Till I might rise myself above
And adequately know my love!
O careless Fate, Love’s all to trust
To these frail gossips of the dust!
Paul Hermes.