Page:Lyrics of Life, Coates, 1909.djvu/55



say I'm dying! It is so, I think:

All pain has left me, and I seem to sink—

A child, content, back to the Mother's breast.

Life grew full sweet of late,—but death is best.

I wanted just this one last quiet hour

To tell you how hope grew fruition's flower,—

Giving me, in a moment, bliss to know,

Beyond what tranquil ages might bestow.

You must not weep, my friend! Consider still

How many lives go frustrate of their will;

How many spend in vain, and fruitless tire!—

I near the goal of my supreme desire.

Your tears reproach the happiness I feel,

And from this dear contentment something steal.

Smile, if you can, beloved! nor delay

What I would tell you ere I go my way.

Love gives but as Love will: this have I proved,

Who through long wistful years have vainly loved,

Yet find my life at last on death's sheer brink—

Of purest joy from lethal fountains drink.