Two

I. Apart One place—one roof—one name—their daily bread In daily sacrament they break Together, and together take Perpetual counsel, such as use has fed The habit of, in words which make No lie. For courtesy’s sweet sake And pity’s, one brave heart whose joy is dead, Smiles ever, answering words which wake But weariness; hides all its ache,— Its hopeless ache, its longing and its dread; Strong as a martyr at the stake Renouncing self; striving to slake The pangs of thirst on bitter hyssop red With vinegar! O brave, strong heart! God sets all days, all hours apart, Joy cometh at his hour appointed. II. Together No touch—no sight—no sound—wide continents And seas clasp hands to separate Them from each other now. Too late! Triumphant Love has leagued the elements To do their will. Hath light a mate For swiftness? Can it overweight The air? Or doth the sun know accidents? The light, the air, the sun, inviolate For them, do constant keep and state Message of their ineffable contents And raptures, each in each. So great Their bliss of loving, even fate In parting them, hath found no instruments Whose bitter pain insatiate Doth kill it, or their faith abate In presence of Love’s hourly sacraments.