String stars for pearls on a ribbon of whim
And fling it about her shoulders ;
Carve cups from coral and crust each brim
Till the whole gem smokes and smolders;
Bring gold for beating in thick bright rings
And honey from hearts of clover:
But love will long for the absent things,
Ever the old earth over.

Go, ride the world in a glory of wars
And startle the Gods to wonder;
Break men to follow triumphant cars
With a rose-paved road thereunder;
Pile stone on stone for the bruit of a name
When a thousand years dissever :
But love will lean to a smaller flame
Forever and forever.