William Ernest Henley

Echoes. 31. O, Have You Blessed, behind the Stars

O, have you blessed, behind the stars,
   The blue sheen in the skies,
When June the roses round her calls?—
Then do you know the light that falls
   From her belovèd eyes.

And have you felt the sense of peace
   That morning meadows give?—
Then do you know the spirit of grace,
The angel abiding in her face,
   Who makes it good to live.

She shines before me, hope and dream,
   So fair, so still, so wise,
That, winning her, I seem to win
Out of the dust and drive and din
   A nook of Paradise.