608 JAMES CLERK MAXWELL. 



(To HIS WIFE.) 



1858. 

 OFT in the night, from this lone room 



I long to fly o'er land and sea, 

 To pierce the dark, dividing gloom, 



And join myself to thee. 



And thou to me wouldst gladly fly, 

 I know thee well, my own true wife ! 



We feel, that when we live not nigh, 

 We lose the crown of life. 



Yet soon I hope, at dead of night, 

 To meet where all is strange beside, 



And mid the train's resounding flight 

 To have thee by my side. 



Then shall I feel that thou art near, 

 Joined hand to hand and soul to soul ; 



Short will that happy night appear, 

 As through the dark we roll. 



Then shall the secret of the will, 



That dares not enter into bliss ; 

 That longs for love, yet lingers still, 



Be solved in one long kiss. 



I, drinking deep of thy rich love, 



Thou feeling all the strength of mine, 



Our souls will rise in faith above 

 The cares which make us pine. 



Till I give thee, thou giving me, 

 As that which either loves the best, 



To Him that loved us both, that He 

 May take us to His rest. 



