XXIX br br As Cleopatra's pearl dissolved in wine, br Made her rich draught the boast of olden days,-- br The shame and wonder of our meaner ways, br Who grudge the chalice to the very shrine; br So when thy love in this poor heart of mine br Dissolves its wealth, within my nature plays br A richer spirit, and my drooping bays br Sprout like the prophet's rod, and somewhat shine. br Like the Egyptian's draught, I trust to hold br My storied place amongst the men to be; br Not all alone, securely joined to thee, br In some dim fragment of a legend old: br Not for mere me the history shall be told, br But, precious pearl, for what was lost in me.