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LILIES: 11. 'I NEED THEE', by                    
First Line: Again I say it! Do we need the air
Last Line: And sink,—if clouds the vision sweet should mar.


Again I say it! Do we need the air,
The wind, the stars, the many-voicèd sea,
And may I not avow my need of thee
Who art to me the chiefest of things fair?—
If some sad brooch is robbed of jewel rare
That shone i' the centre, must it not complain?
Not strive its gleaming emerald to regain?—
When I am robbed, must I that robbery bear?—

O diamond, emerald, star, sea, blossom, sun,
Things sweet and things familiar all in one,
I need thee,—and I choose to say my need,
As to the sea might speak some floating weed:
Or as a wanderer might desire a star,
And sink,—if clouds the vision sweet should mar.





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