The Sleep

Love in a life and after life—the Sleep!And we hang on a word, a look, and keepThe pulses throbbing,—make the Spark burn low,—And close the Book, to laugh perhaps, to weepMost surely! if, oh gods! we may but knowLove in life!

Our burning hands we raiseFor dear palms' clasp, and kisses on the lips,And close embrace.We give our nights and days,In the one draught delectable our spirits steep,Forgetting—(whilst the lights of Love eclipse—)The Sleep.