Classic Poem

He gave you love for an hour,
He gave you gold for a day,
My sweetheart, my wonderful flower;
He tempted you, led you astray.
But I would have given my heart to you,
Darling, my love and my pride;
Opened its every part to you,
Made you my being's bride!

What did he give you? Riches!
What are they all but a dream?
Wait but till Death's hand twitches
The curtain—away they stream
I would have given you passion
Pure as God's love, and as free:
I would have loved in the fashion,
Love, of the stars and the sea.

Love, you have chosen the lesser:
Mine was an infinite boon
You might have been the possessor,
Queen, of the stars and the moon!
What did you choose? No sky-gift,
Endless, marvellous, grand,
But a rushlight dear at a farthing
That flickers and melts in your hand.