Dearest, I know thee wise and good, <br />Beloved by all the best; <br />With fancy like Ithuriel's spear, <br />A judgment proof 'gainst rage or fear, <br />Heart firm through many a stormy year, <br />And conscience calm in rest. <br /> <br />Why should I let my wayward feet <br />Cross the fair threshold of thy life? <br />My hopes and cares of little worth <br />Drag down thy heavenlier part to earth, <br />And, like strange discord marring mirth, <br />Fill thy sweet soul with strife? <br /> <br />But though such fears will cloud my brain, <br />Nay, though stern Time their truth should prove, <br />Yet none the less I bid thee take <br />My life into thine own, forsake <br />Thy high heart, bid it beat and break, <br />Like mine, but, like mine, love!<br /><br />Alfred Austin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/alea-jacta/
