Think you that I will drain the dregs of Love,

I who have quaffed the sweetness on its brink?

Now by the steadfast burning stars above,

Better to faint of thirst than thuswise drink.

What! shall we twain who saw love’s glorious fires

Flame toward the sky and flush Heaven’s self with light,

Crouch by the embers as the glow expires,

And huddle closer from mere dread of night?

No! cast love’s goblet in oblivion’s well,

Scatter love’s ashes o’er the field of time!

Yet, ere we part, one kiss whereon to dwell

When life sounds senseless as some feeble rhyme.

Lo! as lips touch, anew Love’s cresset glows,

And Love’s sweet cup refills and overflows.


Alfred Austin
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