I WOULD be a goddess in
The light of those dear eyes
Apt to hold you as to win,
All-beautiful, all-wise.
Pray you wherefore should you deem 5
This a vain and idle dream?
Purblind love that cannot see
That woman still to man may be
Whatever she can seem!
I would win your tender trust, 10
But not to keep you still
Kneeling lowly in the dust,
Obedient to my will;
Nor to surfeit all my days
On the nectar of your praise; 15
Or to hear it sung so high
That the idle passer-by
Paused to hear your lays.
I but ask you for your faith
That, wounded by the herd, 20
I may bring you healing with
The magic of a word.
Pray you to believe me so
That in darkness, doubt, or woe,
I may guide you when you grope, 25
Light you with my stronger hope,
Warm you with my glow.
I would have you love me well,
That, fainting in the strife,
Kiss of mine should be a spell, 30
To win you back to life;
Love me so that day or night,
I could hide the world from sight,
Keep it out with woven arms,
Or subdue it with my charms, 35
As a goddess might!
Love! my worth will wax or wane
As your light shall shine,
Now a homely thing, or vain,
Now almost divine. 40
Lorn of love, my hands hang down,
I am nothing when you frown;
Hold me fair, and keep me great,
With your faithfulness for state,
And your love for crown! 45
