*Till Time Be Drowned*

*Till Time Be Drowned*

I stood at the ebb to beg for your love,  

Whilst twilight draped her mantle from above.  

The tide withdrew, as did thy heart from me,  

And left me stranded by the sullen sea.  

O cruel moon, that governest the tide,  

Bear witness how I lingered, and I cried.  

My supplications scattered with the foam,  

For love had fled, and left me not a home.  

The gulls did wheel and keen upon the shore,  

As I, forlorn, implored thee evermore.  

"Return," I called, "and quit this wanton game,  

Lest all my soul be rendered unto flame."  

Thy name I carved upon the yielding sand,  

Yet Neptune’s hand did sweep away my brand.  

So too, methought, dost thou erase my plea,  

And cast my ardour to the ravenous sea.  

Now night descends with star-embroidered cloak,  

And still I stand, though hope be but a smoke.  

The ebb hath taken all save this, my vow:  

I loved thee then, and I do love thee now.  

Though tides may turn and seasons quit their post,  

My heart shall keep thee, dearest, as its host.  

Till time itself be drowned in Lethe's flood,  

I stand at ebb, and beg thee for thy love.