I would not have thee far away
By whom I must be led.
I needs must have thee every day
To be my meat and bread.
For if there be unlovely things
Wherein no radiance glows,
I'll kiss them till their folded wings
Shall blossom like the rose!
Oh, be thou beautiful, I'll say,—
And save me with delight!
Then each dark thing will smile like day
Between me and the night.
I'll listen till I make them speak,
By need will make them wise!
As love calls blushes to the cheek
Or laughter to the eyes.
For where love lays its trusting kiss
There Beauty needs must be
And so I'll turn the world to bliss
Until it shines like thee.