Classic Poem

I LOVE thee longer and I love thee most—
Altho' I love thee always to the end—
To-day among the blossoms lightly tossed
That with the sunshine blend,

Below the bright new leaves and wandering
Within the warm and lilac-laden breeze,
I love thee most this only day of spring
Under the open trees.

This thick curled hyacinth is all for thee.
The tulips yonder wave to get a smile.
Make them as happy, love! Ah happy me!
Love them a little while.

I am so happy, happy, being thine!
There draws throughout my breast from backward far
A lonely highroad up to the sky line,
To thee, my sunset-star.

And tip-toe on the height my soul looked up
With asking eyes, and softly flew away.
I love thee in the ways of Paradise,
I love thee most to-day.

The sun is westering in thy dark red hair;
Let me throw down my armful here of bloom,
And leaned on this acacia let us share
The daylight going home.

And suffer once that from thy lips I drink
The livelong happiness of our to-day,
Till at thy feet in songs and prayer I sink
That thou shouldst call me thine.