"Love me," she said

"Love me," she said, "not only for to-day,

Or for tomorrow, or for years to come,

But ever and for ever, and alway

Let my heart find within thy heart its home,

And not one passing cloud or shadow be,

Beloved one, between thy soul and me."

"Love me," she said, "at rise and fall of day;

Love me in summer most, and most in spring;

Love me in every simple word I say,

And place around my path a magic ring

Of sweetness and protection, full and free,

All rising from thy tender love for me."

"Love me," she said, "and let me hear the sound

Speak by a thousand voices to mine heart;

Let it be breathed above, beneath, around,

And everlasting music thence impart —

The same old strain, through endless ages true,

For ever wonderful — for ever new."

"Love me," she said, "for I may often fail

In judgment, and in daily needs and power;

But if thou lovest me, it will avail

To smooth each rising wave from hour to hour;

And whatsoe'er short comings there may be,

Think of this always — that thou lovest me."

"Love me," she said, "for time and change unmoved

May tell again the tale so often told;

But Love can see no change in the beloved,

And I would wear the charm a thousandfold,

And for thy sight and sake alone possess

Abiding bloom, and youth, and loveliness."

"Love me," she said, "for we shall love in Heaven,

And even here by daily steps we reach

To the full measure, which will then be given—

To that pure joy, too great for our poor speech

To utter now — but what through Love we know

Shall be our portion — Love me even so."