I Laugh for the long days I see ahead
Stretching in yellow light where we shall walk,
And pluck the full-blown roses from the stalk,
And mallows pale, and poppies deep and red.
I strive no more. Why, love, my feet are led.
I have forgot the fears and haste that balk,
And like a child that 's newly learned to talk
Tell the new joy whereby I 'm comforted.

For, dear, you taught me, by your graciousness,
My highest skill was to be most myself,
No turn-coat Ghibelline but the true Guelf,
Filling his faults and virtues to the brim;
No more than faithful to himself, no less
Than true to her who will be true to him.