There Is No Deed I Would Not Dare

There is no deed I would not dare, Unloving, but to gain your smile, No shame or sorrow I would not share (Though withering in a wintry while) If I could win your friendship’s grace While Time’s slow pace is lagging still Though my lost heart should leave no trace Of Love on Heaven’s immortal will. There is no death I would not crave If thus I’d save your heart from tears; To snatch your glory from the grave I’d brave all fates and feel no fears Although my heart be calm and cold And feel no flame nor mirth of Love, Nor buoyed with hope be overbold To seize and hold the shining Dove. But I do love you and I know Nor any deed nor difficult quest To try to compass, that would show The fire that bums within my breast; I cannot draw the dazzling blade My body sheathes. Love’s splendid sword, Lest you be blinded—and dismayed To silence fall my wounded word. If I would do each desperate thing Only to bring you ease or mirth What pinnacle for Love’s strong wing Towers above the heights of Earth? I cannot give your soul belief In the great visions of my heart, I cannot, and it is my grief Do aught to please you—but depart.