Page:Dreams and Images.djvu/250

 There I shall meet the dark allies, The Flesh, the Fiend, the World, And fiercely shall their darts of fire Upon my heart be hurled.

But I will raise my buckler strong Betwixt me and the foe, And, with the spirit's flaming sword, Shall give them blow for blow.

Lady, thy sailor I would be, This day I sign my name To sail the high seas of the earth For glory of thy fame.

The tempest may besiege my bark, The pirate lie in wait: The perils of the monstrous deep May tempt o'erwhelming fate:

Yet, wheresoe'er my ship may steer Upon the waters wide, Thy name shall be my compass sure, Thy star my midnight guide.

Thy poet, Lady, I would be To sing thy peerless praise; Thy loyal bard, I'd bring to thee Heart-music from all lays.

Soft melody, outpoured in June By God's dear feathered throng, Would mingle with the organ's roll To glorify my song;