The Kingdom
Behold I bring a Kingdom in my hand,
Oh bend your eyes upon it!... Ways of peace
Lead by its rivers. Fields of rest are these
Above the endless skies of God expand.
Oceans of dear delight kiss on the sand,
And azure islands lift their waving trees
Where virgin forests’ twined interstices
Shadow the pools of sleep, deep inland seas!
This is my lovely Kingdom.... Tho’ you reign
Over an empire, proud, imperial,
Annex this land of beauty to your part;
Else, like a mirage, seen, then lost again
It fade forever! Kingdoms vanish all—
Immortal is the land of love, Sweetheart!