III
If Fate had said, when first I saw thee stand
Straight, tall, and beautiful, and all my own—
"This is for you, the kingdom and the throne
"The rule and the dominion of the land;
"Eyes, lips, and benison of dearest hand,
"Caress of voice, and laugh, and lowest tone;
"Choose! Will you surfeit, then go forth alone,
"Because so favoured the more cursed and banned?"
I 'd choose to lack thee! Ignorant, and blest
Though love and thee were to have heaven possessed,
Oh who would face the desolation's sting
Or choose to live bereft, with memory?
Straight, tall, and beautiful, and all my own—
"This is for you, the kingdom and the throne
"The rule and the dominion of the land;
"Eyes, lips, and benison of dearest hand,
"Caress of voice, and laugh, and lowest tone;
"Choose! Will you surfeit, then go forth alone,
"Because so favoured the more cursed and banned?"
I 'd choose to lack thee! Ignorant, and blest
Though love and thee were to have heaven possessed,
Oh who would face the desolation's sting
Or choose to live bereft, with memory?
I still may find after my Winter—Spring
If Fate would wipe the tablets clear of thee.
If Fate would wipe the tablets clear of thee.
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