[Pg 326]

[Pg 326]

THE GARDEN OF CYMODOCE

Sea, and bright wind, and heaven of ardent air,

More dear than all things earth-born; O to me

Mother more dear than love's own longing, sea,

More than love's eyes are, fair,

Be with my spirit of song as wings to bear,

As fire to feel and breathe and brighten; be

A spirit of sense more deep of deity,

A light of love, if love may be, more strong

In me than very song.

For song I have loved with second love, but thee,

Thee first, thee, mother; ere my songs had breath,

That love of loves, whose bondage makes man free,

Was in me strong as death.

And seeing no slave may love thee, no, not one

That loves not freedom more,

And more for thy sake loves her, and for hers

Thee; or that hates not, on whate'er thy shore

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