If my life’s loves, were but stones, yea, exposed;
Each heart a vulnerable riddle sung
A rhymed reason that time hath decomposed;
Where mine core abandoned once trophies hung.
Then love would bear that blueness of spirit,
Unrequited and unblamed tis thine own;
Once consumed by fire, the winds did hear it
Deprived of glow where stones adorned thy throne.
Gentle thief, my nights thou once did’st own,
Veiled in splendorous light thy loot mine pleasure;
Each tear whirling down in rhythm and tone
And yet, love knows, it is my greatest treasure
Pernicious might yet graceful in measure,
Oh band of thieves; surround me, at leisure.