The fire of love was burning, yet so low br That in the dark we scarce could see its rays, br And in the light of perfect-placid days br Nothing but smouldering embers dull and slow. br Vainly, for love's delight, we sought to throw br New pleasures on the pyre to make it blaze: br In life's calm air and tranquil-prosperous ways br We missed the radiant heat of long ago. br br Then in the night, a night of sad alarms, br Bitter with pain and black with fog of fears, br That drove us trembling to each other's arms -- br Across the gulf of darkness and salt tears, br Into life's calm the wind of sorrow came, br And fanned the fire of love to clearest flame.