O lover of my endless days?

Are my dreams flitting round you like the moths with their
many-coloured wings?

And are those your songs that are echoing in the dark eaves of my
being?

Who but you can hear the hum of the crowded hours that sounds in
my veins to-day, the glad steps that dance in my breast, the
clamour of the restless life beating its wings in my body?

LXXIV

My bonds are cut, my debts are paid, my door has been opened, I
go everywhere.

They crouch in their corner and weave their web of pale hours,
they count their coins sitting in the dust and call me back.

But my sword is forged, my armour is put on, my horse is eager to
run.

I shall win my kingdom.

LXXV

It was only the other day that I came to your earth, naked and
nameless, with a wailing cry.

To-day my voice is glad, while you, my lord, stand aside to make
room that I may fill my life.

Even when I bring you my songs for an offering I have the secret
hope that men will come and love me for them.

You love to discover that I love this world where you have
brought me.

LXXVI

Timidly I cowered in the shadow of safety, but now, when the
surge of joy carries my heart upon its crest, my heart clings to
the cruel rock of its trouble.

I sat alone in a corner of my house thinking it too narrow for
any guest, but now when its door is flung open by an unbidden joy
I find there is room for thee and for all the world.

I walked upon tiptoe, careful of my person, perfumed, and
adorned--but now when a glad whirlwind has overthrown me in the
dust I laugh and roll on the earth at thy feet like a child.

LXXVII

The world is yours at once and for ever.

And because you have no want, my king, you have no pleasure in
your wealth.

It is as though it were naught. Therefore through slow time you
give me what is yours, and ceaselessly win your kingdom in me.

Day after day you buy your sunrise from my heart, and you find
your love carven into the image of my life.

LXXVIII

To the birds you gave songs, the birds gave you songs in return.

You gave me only voice, yet asked for more, and I sing.

You made your winds light and they are fleet in their service.
You burdened my hands that I myself may lighten them, and at
last, gain unburdened freedom for your service.

You created your Earth filling its shadows with fragments of
light.

There you paused; you left me empty-handed in the dust to create
your h