I ask thee for thy love, but it must be In hearts that give and take this gift most blest Of all that dwell within the human breast, Sweet interchange of mutual liberty; For love is no true gift, save it be free. And if of freedom it be not possest, I ask it not; for I am as a guest Who but receives as thou mayst give to me. Then say that we together shall abide As host and guest within Love's sacred home, Each gaining freedom in the other's gift, Each yielding up the loneliness of pride, I never more in barren ways to roam, And thou no more on stormy seas to drift. |