Poem by Robert Louis Stevenson

Dedication

MY first gift and my last, to you
I dedicate this fascicle of songs -
The only wealth I have:
Just as they are, to you.

I speak the truth in soberness, and say
I had rather bring a light to your clear eyes,
Had rather hear you praise
This bosomful of songs

Than that the whole, hard world with one consent,
In one continuous chorus of applause
Poured forth for me and mine
The homage of ripe praise.

I write the finis here against my love,
This is my love's last epitaph and tomb.
Here the road forks, and I
Go my way, far from yours. 

1. Songs of Travel and Other Verses. 13. Mater Triumphans
2. About the Sheltered Garden Ground
3. Voluntary
4. Early in the Morning I Hear on Your Piano
5. Songs of Travel and Other Verses. 7. PLAIN as the glistering planets shine

Lola Ridge Dedication ("I would be a torch unto your hand")

Print

3434 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version