"I cannot bring you wealth," she said;
"I cannot bring you fame or place
Among the noted of the race;
But I can love you.
"When trials come to test you, sweet,
I can be sunlight to your feet;
My kiss your precious lips shall greet,
Because I love you.
"When daylight dies along the west,
You will come home to me for rest,
And I shall sleep upon your breast,
Because I love you.
"If sickness comes, beside your bed
I will bend low with quiet tread,
And pray God's blessing on your head,
Because I love you.
"As dew clings to the violet,
Making the fragrant chalice wet,
So my life to yours is set,
Because I love you.
"Only myself, my all, I bring;
But count it, sweet, a precious thing
To give my life an offering,
Because I love you.
"I bow before no other shrine;
If I go first across death's line,
I will return to claim you mine,
Because I love you."
