Poems

“Ernst of Edelsheim I'll tell the story, kissing   This white hand for my pains: No sweeter heart, nor falser   E'er filled such fine, blue veins. I'll sing a song of true love,   My Lilith dear! to you; Contraria contrariis”

— John Hay

“The Light of Love Each shining light above us   Has its own peculiar grace; But every light of heaven   Is in my darling's face. For it is like the sunlight,   So strong and pure and warm, That folds all good and happy things,   And guards from gloom and harm. And it is like the moonlight,   So holy and so calm; The rapt peace of a summer night,   When soft winds die in balm. And it is like the starlight;   For, love her as I may, She dwells still lofty and serene   In mystery far away.””

— John Hay

“Love's Prayer If Heaven would hear my prayer,   My dearest wish would be, Thy sorrows not to share   But take them all on me; If Heaven would hear my prayer. I'd beg with prayers and sighs   That never a tear might flow From out thy lovely eyes,   If Heaven might grant it so; Mine be the tears and sighs. No cloud thy brow should cover,   But smiles each other chase From lips to eyes all over   Thy sweet and sunny face; The clouds my heart should cover. That all thy path be light   Let darkness fall on me; If all thy days be bright,   Mine black as night could be; My love would light my night. For thou art more than life,   And if our fate should set Life and my love at strife,   How could I then forget I love thee more than life?””

— John Hay