XI

1.

O let the solid ground

      Not fail beneath my feet

Before my life has found

      What some have found so sweet;

Then let come what come may,

What matter if I go mad,

I shall have had my day.

2.

Let the sweet heavens endure,

      Not close and darken above me

Before I am quite quite sure

      That there is one to love me;

Then let come what come may

To a life that has been so sad,

I shall have had my day.