Esther, A Sonnet Sequence: Xlix

I will not tell the secrets of that place. When Madame Blanche returned to us again I was kneeling there, while Esther kissed my face And dried and comforted my tears. O vain And happy tears! O griefs thrice comforted! I trembled, but not with fear. If I was dumb, 'Twas not for lack of speech where all was said. My doubts were ended and my fears o'ercome, And joy had triumphed. Life has given me much And pleasure much, and Heaven may yet have store Of nobler hopes to kindle and to touch, But never for all time, ah, never more, That delicate dawn of wonder when lips move First to the love of life and love of love.