Classic Poem

HE MUST SEE THOSE EYES AGAIN OR DIE

Already had I felt within me fail
Those spirits which from you their life derive;
And since by nature, everything alive
Must against death aspire to prevail,
I gave Desire the bit, let the reins trail,
In his almost forgotten path to thrive,
Though night and day against his call I strive,
Though day and night his wiser choice assail.
And so it led me back, ashamed and slow,
Again to see those eyes illustrious
With love, which I must never dim by woe:
Yet for this once I yet may live, since thus
One smiling glance of yours has power upon
My life which perished had Desire not won.