Love Me A Little

Love me a little, love me as thou wilt, Whether a draught it be of passionate wine Poured with both hands divine, Or just a cup of water spilt On dying lips and mine. Give me the love thou wilt, The purity, the guilt, So it be thine. Love me a little. Let it be thy cheek With its red signals. That were dear to kiss. Or, if thou mayest not this, A finger--tip my own to seek At nightfall when none guess. Eyes have the wit to speak, And sighs send messages: Even give less. Love me a little. Let it be in words Of happy omen heralding thy choice, Or in a veiled sad voice Of warning, like a frightened bird's. How should I not rejoice, Though swords be crossed with swords And discord mar love's chords And tears thy voice? Love me a little. All my world thou art. Thy much were Heaven: thy little Earth shall be. If not Eternity, Then Time be mine, the human part, A single hour with thee. Love as thou wilt and art, With all or half a heart, So thou love me.