Classic Poem

Affections, passions, many there may be
In the soul's life. But one
Great love brings absolute fierce sovereignty:
Stars tremble at the sun.

The great love gathers in its wide embrace
Affections, passions all.
Where there were many, now shines but one face;
The old love-temples fall.

This is the wonder of surpassing love;
Its marvel and its doom.
A sudden wind sweeps grimly from above
And leaves one flower in bloom:

One, only one. Man rises to his height
Of being when he knows
That love for one alone can flood life's night
With the great stars' repose.

I have not loved, nor shall I love again,
While stars still kiss the sea,
With gleam of joy, or chance of awful pain,
Sweetheart, as I love thee.