Classic Poem

I live with love encompassed round,
And glowing light that is not mine,
And yet am sad; for, truth to tell,
It is not I you love so well;
Some fair Immortal, robed and crowned,
You hold within your heart's dear shrine.

Cast out the Goddess! let me in;
Faulty I am, yet all your own,
But this bright phantom you enthrone
Is such as mortal may not win.

And yet this beauty that you see
Is like to mine, though nobler far;
Your radiant guest resembles me
E'en as the sun is like a star.

Then keep her in your heart of hearts,
And let me look upon her face,
And learn of that transcendent grace,
Till all my meaner self departs,

And, while I love you more and more,
My spirit, gazing on the light,
Becomes, in loveliness and might,
The glorious Vision you adore.