Beloved, you may be as all men say Only a transient spark Of flickering flame set in loam of clay – I care not …since you kindle all my dark With the immortal lustres of the day. And as all men deem, dearest, you may be Only a common shell Chance-winnowed by the sea-winds from the sea – The subtle murmurs of eternity. And tho' you are, like men or mortal race, Only a hapless thing That d**h may mar and destiny efface – I care not … since unto my heart you bring The very vision of God's dwelling-place.