Classic Poem

Heart of my heart, my life, my light!
—If you were lost what should I do?
I dare not let you from my sight
—Lest Death should fall in love with you.

Such countless terrors lie in wait!
—The gods know well how dear you are!
What if they left me desolate
—And plucked and set you for their star!

Then hold me close, the gods are strong,
—And perfect joy so rare a flower
No man may hope to keep it long—
—And I may lose you any hour.

Then kiss me close, my star, my flower!
—So shall the future grant me this:
That there was not a single hour
—We might have kissed, and did not kiss!