Classic Poem

It were easiest to say: " The moon and lake
Made wizardry — how could we see aright?
That was a world unreal in silver light,
And we were lovers for the moment's sake.
It was youth spoke in us, quick to mistake
Earth-lamp for dawn, the mirage for true sight;
Hailing a hill-crest as the long-sought height;
Swearing such oaths as honors us to break. "

That were far easiest: then no regret
Could chill a heart grown happy to forget,
Nor touch a soul that sophistries sufficed.
There was a man once, in a hall of trial,
Thrice before cock-crow uttered such denial —
And knows forever that he denied the Christ!