Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Thomas Bailey Aldrich 18361907
Thomas Bailey Aldrich188 Song from the Persian
A
But, far from passion’s tears and smiles,
Drift down a moonless sea, beyond
The silvery coasts of fairy isles.
Kiss empty air, and never touch The dear warm mouth of those they love— Waiting, wasting, suffering much. Is life to those who, pilgrim-wise, Move hand in hand from dawn to dusk, Each morning nearer Paradise. They stand in everlasting light, They walk in Allah’s smile by day, And slumber in his heart by night.