Canto 17Because thy flame is spent
Book 2. Part Two - Baroda Circa 1898 – 1902
Because thy flame is spent, shall mine grow less,
O bud, O wonder of the opening rose?
Why both my soul and Love it would disgrace
If I could trade in love, begin and close
5My long account of passion, like a book
Of merchant’s credit given to be repaid,
Or not returned, struck off with lowering look
Like a bad debt uncritically made.
What thou couldst give, thou gav’st me, one sweet smile
10Worth all the sunlight that the years contain,
One month of months when thy sweet spirit awhile
Fluttered o’er mine half-thinking to remain.
What I could give, I gave thee, to my last breath
Immortal love, immovable by death.