Classic Poem

I looked from Mount Derision at
Two ivory thrones that were in space,
Whereon a man and woman sat
—The very parallels of grace—
Not lovelier has ever been
By mortal seen!

Then One unto the Other said
Tell me the secret, hidden well,
Which you have never utteréd;
And I to you again will tell
My guarded thought, and we shall know
Each other, so—!

Then He—When those who kneel beside
My holy altar do not bear
A gift, I turn my face aside
And give no hearing to the prayer;
But whoso brings a gift shall see
The proof of Me—

And She—When, on a festal day,
Youth kneels by youth before my shrine,
I think, if he or he might lay
A ruddy cheek to mine,
And comfort my sick soul, I'd lay
My crown away—!