“TAKE what you can, sirs ” (thus the story runs),
Said a poor scholar, who for dearest book
Had loved his Virgil; and the wretches took
The book away from him, and thought his sun’s
Light was put out. But he had baulked their rage,
Learning by heart the Mantuan’s lofty rhyme,
So, ’gainst all spite of theirs or envious time,
Holding it safe — a flawless heritage.
So, dearest, since I have you in my heart,
Like that poor scholar I those powers defy
Which threat to rob me: you may live or die,
But nevermore from me shall you depart.
I have you safe; “Take what you can,” I say;
“Here she abides, and will abide alway.”