Immortal Love

Immortal Love

If I had wooed thee for thy colour rare,
    Cherished the rose in thee
Or wealth of Nature's brilliants in thy hair,
        O woman fair,
    My love might cease to be.

Or, had I sought thee for thy virtuous youth
    And tender yearning speech,
Thy swift compassion and deliberate truth,
        O heart of ruth,
    Time might pursue, might reach.

But I have loved thee for thyself indeed
    And with myself have snared;
Immortal to immortal I made speed.
        Change I exceed
    And am for Time prepared.