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FORTUNATE LOVE: 7. RESERVATION by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE

First Line: HER TERRACE LOOKING DOWN UPON THE LAKE
Last Line: AND ALL BE GIVEN THAT NOW HER HEART DENIES.

HER terrace looking down upon the lake
Has corners where the deepest shadows are,
And there we sit to watch the evening-star,
And try what melody our lutes can make;
Our reticent hearts with longing almost break,
The while her gleaming eyes strain out afar,
As though her soul would seek the utmost bar
Where faltering sunset quivers, flake by flake;
My forehead rests against the balustrade;
My cheeks flush hot and cold; my eager eyes
Are fixed on hers until the moon shall rise, --
The splendid moon of Love, -- and unafraid
The utmost debt of passionate hope be paid,
And all be given that now her heart denies.



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