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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DEAREST by JOHN STERLING (1806-1844)

First Line: OH! THAT FROM FAR-AWAY MOUNTAINS
Last Line: A HEART THAT LOVES THEE, DEAREST!

OH! that from far-away mountains
Over the restless waves,
Where bubble-enchanted fountains,
Rising from jewell'd caves,
I could call a fairy bird,
Who, whene'er thy voice was heard,
Should come to thee, dearest!

He should have violet pinions,
And a beak of silver white,
And should bring from the sun's dominions
Eyes that would give thee light.
Thou should'st see that he was born
In a land of gold and morn,
To be thy servant, dearest!

Oft should he drop on thy tresses
A pearl, or diamond stone,
And would yield to thy light caresses
Blossoms in Eden grown.
Round thy path his wings would shower
Now a gem, and now a flower,
And dewy odours, dearest!

He should fetch from his eastern island
The songs that the Peris sing,
And when evening is clear and silent,
Spells to thy ear would bring,
And with his mysterious strain
Would entrance thy weary brain,
Love's own music, dearest!

No Phoenix, alas! will hover,
Sent from the morning star;
And thou must take of thy lover
A gift not brought so far:
Wanting bird, and gem, and song,
Ah! receive and treasure long
A heart that loves thee, dearest!



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