One Wish

My thoughts are gliding down the stream,
Ah, faster than the river flows;
And idly in my heart I dream
Of islands where the lotus grows.

I fear not rapids, waterfall,
Or whirlpool leading down to death,
If love but my tired heart enthrall,
And I may sip a woman’s breath.

I care not what may be my fate.
Roll on, mad river, to the sea;
Drown all ambition, pride, and hate,—
But leave one woman’s love to me.