Never the time and the place 
      And the loved one all together! 
   This path---how soft to pace! 
      This May---what magic weather! 
   Where is the loved one's face? 
In a dream that loved one's face meets mine, 
   But the house is narrow, the place is bleak 
Where, outside, rain and wind combine 
   With a furtive ear, if I strive to speak, 
   With a hostile eye at my flushing cheek, 
With a malice that marks each word, each sign! 
O enemy sly and serpentine, 
   Uncoil thee from the waking man! 
      Do I hold the Past 
      Thus firm and fast 
   Yet doubt if the Future hold I can? 
This path so soft to pace shall lead 
Thro' the magic of May to herself indeed! 
Or narrow if needs the house must be, 
Outside are the storms and strangers: we--- 
Oh, close, safe, warm sleep I and she, 
---I and she!