HOW do I know you good? -- my dear, my dear, How do I know? Because, at thought of you the bonds fall off That plagued me so; Because for love of you my very life Has changed its flow. How do I know you good? Because, dear love, In needing you, My inmost soul most urgently desires Great goodness too; Pure skies alone can win a turbid sea To perfect blue. One little lovely victory for your sake O'er my mad blood, One little hour when higher than myself I knew I stood, One stillness, dear, has taught the blessed truth, My love is good. 'Tis so I know you good -- my dear, my dear; My heart is new; For your sweet sake 'tis less than virtue now To be quite true; Ay! easy to be patient, pure, and brave, Quite good -- for you. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DARKEST HOUR; OXFORD, 1917 by GEORGE SANTAYANA IN A RAILROAD STATION by SARA TEASDALE SOLILOQUY OF THE SPANISH CLOISTER by ROBERT BROWNING HIPPOLYTUS TEMPORIZES by HILDA DOOLITTLE THE STORMING OF STONY POINT [JULY 16, 1779] by ARTHUR GUITERMAN |