William Ernest Henley

Rhymes and Rhythms. 12. Some Starlit Garden Grey with Dew

Some starlit garden grey with dew,
Some chamber flushed with wine and fire,
What matters where, so I and you
   Are worthy our desire?

Behind, a past that scolds and jeers
For ungirt loins and lamps unlit;
In front, the unmanageable years,
   The trap upon the Pit;

Think on the shame of dreams for deeds,
The scandal of unnatural strife,
The slur upon immortal needs,
   The treason done to life:

Arise! no more a living lie,
And with me quicken and control
Some memory that shall magnify
   The universal Soul.