Consolation

Though consolation by the pledge of hope May grow within my heart at quiet hours, Or may unveil to me its candid scope As bees bring news of joy which could be ours, Though, languidly, I gaze upon the spread Of stars whose old romance is twinned in me By ancient heroes of whose quests I’ve read Or heard before their failings I could see, Though I recall the candid play of chance— Whose sly intrigues have brought our paths so near— And cheer my days despite our years’ advance, Which hide their shadow to delay my fear, I lie and gaze into the night until I care for neither solace nor the quill.